Poem 3: Rain on the Roof

Poet: Coates Kinney

Point-wise Summary

• The poet describes the soothing sound of rain falling on the roof at night.
• As he lies in bed, listening to the soft patter, it brings comfort and peace.
• The rain evokes nostalgic memories of his childhood and his loving mother.
• He recalls how his mother used to care for him, and those memories make the moment emotional and tender.
• The poem blends the present experience of rain with a dreamy reflection on the past.

Theme

• Nature’s power to trigger emotions and memories
• Nostalgia for childhood and a mother’s love
• The calming and dreamlike quality of rain
• Emotional connection between sound and memory

Word Meanings

• Tinkle – A soft ringing sound
• Shingles – Wooden tiles on the roof
• Melancholy – A gentle sadness
• Bliss – Extreme happiness
• Humid – Moist or damp
• Ere – Before

Literary Devices

• Alliteration: “humid hover,” “darling dreamers”
• Onomatopoeia: “tinkle” mimics the sound of rain
• Imagery: Visual and sound imagery evoke vivid feelings
• Personification: Rain described as having human-like qualities
• Metaphor: Dreams and memories are compared to raindrops on the roof

Important Questions and Answers

1. What is the central idea of the poem?
The poem expresses how the sound of rain creates a calm, reflective mood and brings back sweet memories from the poet’s childhood, especially of his mother.

2. How does the poet feel when it rains?
He feels relaxed and peaceful. The rain makes him think of his past, particularly about the love and care of his mother.

3. What does the poet remember while lying in bed?
He remembers his childhood days, the warmth of his mother, and the joy of being with her while it rained.

4. What kind of memories does the rain bring to the poet’s mind?
The rain reminds him of the emotional bond with his mother and the secure, loving environment of his early years.

5. Why does the poet call the darkness “melancholy”?
The night and rain create a quiet, emotional atmosphere, filled with both peace and sadness as he remembers his mother.

6. What does “a thousand dreamy fancies” refer to?
It refers to the many thoughts and daydreams that the poet has while listening to the rain, triggered by its sound.

7. What does the poet mean by “darling dreamers”?
He refers to children who, like him in the past, dream sweetly while their mothers watch over them lovingly.

8. Why is rain romanticized in the poem?
Because it brings emotional comfort and triggers beautiful, sentimental memories of childhood and maternal affection.

9. How does the poet show his attachment to his mother?
He expresses deep emotional connection and reverence by remembering her while lying in bed, touched by the sound of rain.