About
A narrative poem by Mary Dow Brine about kindness shown by a young boy to a helpless old woman. It is touching and easy to follow.
Summary
On a cold, snowy winter day an old, poor woman waits at a busy crossing, afraid to cross the slippery street. Crowds of schoolboys pass by, laughing and ignoring her. Then one kind boy notices her, steps forward and helps her across safely, treating her gently. The old woman blesses him and prays that God may keep his own mother safe in her old age. The boy helps because he thinks the old woman could be 'somebody's mother', perhaps even his own.
Theme / message
Kindness and respect for the elderly cost nothing but mean everything. We should help others as we would want our own loved ones helped.
Important questions
- Why was the old woman afraid to cross the street?
- How did the kind boy help her, and why?
- What blessing did the old woman give the boy?
Key words
aged - very old; tottering - walking unsteadily; blessing - a prayer for someone's good; compassion - deep sympathy; frail - weak and delicate.
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