(3) Base Camp
"the mother" might be dealing with some seriously intense issues and emotions, but it's not too hard to actually read. Brooks doesn't have a crazy vocabulary or off-the-wall syntax; the complexity in the poem lies in the complexity of the speaker's feelings, not in the complexity of the language. But, if you need help navigating the emotional terrain of "the mother," never fear, Shmoop is here for you (as always). Check out our "Detailed Summary" section and we'll take you line-by-line through "the mother."