Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"To Alison Cunningham; From Her Boy" is a poem written by Robert Louis Stevenson as a tribute to his beloved nurse and caregiver. The poem expresses gratitude for the care and love she provided during his childhood and wishes that every child may have someone as nurturing and kind as she was.

The poem begins by acknowledging the sleepless nights Alison spent watching over the speaker, emphasizing her dedication and selflessness. It praises her comforting hand that guided the speaker through life's challenges and the stories she read to them. The speaker expresses gratitude for the empathy and support Alison provided during both happy and sad times.

Alison is described as a second mother and a first wife, highlighting the profound role she played in the speaker's life. She is referred to as the angel of the speaker's infant years, signifying her nurturing and protective nature.

The poem concludes with a request for Heaven to grant that anyone who reads the poem finds a nurse as dear and caring as Alison. The speaker hopes that every child who listens to their rhymes, in the warm and comforting atmosphere of a fireside nursery, will hear them in a kind and loving voice, just as the speaker did during their childhood.

Overall, "To Alison Cunningham; From Her Boy" is a heartfelt tribute to a caregiver who had a profound impact on the speaker's life. It expresses gratitude for her love, care, and kindness and wishes that every child may experience such nurturing support in their own lives.

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