The poem spells out the word "MOTHER" by associating each letter with a quality or aspect of mothers. M is for the million things she gave, O means she is only growing old, T is for the tears she shed to save her child, H is for her heart of gold, E is for her eyes with love-light shining in them, and R means she is always right. The poem conveys that the word "mother" means the world to the speaker and celebrates mothers for their unconditional love and support. It notes that the poem is especially meaningful for those who have lost their mother.