Please help with poetry questions?

Question

I am having trouble with 2 questions on the Anne Bradstreet poem, "In Reference to Her Children".

1. What does Bradstreet request of her children in the future?

2. What reassurance does Bradstreet give her grown children?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

1. To talk about her to their own children, and tell them about how much she loved and looked after them,

Among your young ones take your rest, (Stay with your own kids)

In chirping language, oft them tell, (Tell your own kids often)

You had a dam that loved you well, (your mother loved you)

That did what could be done for young, (did everything she could)

And nursed you up till you were strong, (raised you to adults)

And 'fore she once would let you fly, (before she let you leave home)

She showed you joy and misery; (there was laughter and tears)

Taught what was good, and what was ill, (taught right from wrong)

What would save life, and what would kill. (how to look after themselves and others)

2.that she is happy and content if they are too.

Farewell, my birds, farewell adieu,

I happy am, if well with you.