'Poems for my Children' Summary

'Poems For My Children' is a touching and deeply personal collection of poetry by Ann Hawkshaw. Many of the poems are heartfelt expressions of a mother's love and devotion to her children. The book is filled with themes of family, childhood, and the passage of time. The intimate and conversational style of the poems allows the reader to connect with Hawkshaw's emotions and experiences. While the majority of the poems are personal in nature, Hawkshaw also includes five historical poems that delve into the lives and cultures of ancient civilizations. These poems demonstrate her talent for weaving historical narratives into poetic form and foreshadow her later work on Anglo-Saxon history. However, the most poignant poem in the collection is 'Ada,' a deeply moving memorial to her daughter who passed away at the age of four. This poem captures the profound grief of losing a child and serves as a testament to the enduring power of maternal love.