Rain On The Roof Summary: Class 9 English Poem Explained

Chapter 3 of CBSE Class 9 English Beehive includes the poem Rain on the Roof by Coates Kinney. This short poem consists of three stanzas. Here, students can access a detailed Rain On The Roof Class 9 Summary and explanatory notes for the poem, providing both an overview and an in-depth understanding. These Summary Of Rain On The Roof are designed to enhance students’ confidence and assist in effective exam preparation. Additionally, they serve as a useful tool for quick revisions, helping students grasp the poem’s essence more efficiently.

Also Read:

• NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Beehive - Rain On The Roof (Poem)

• CBSE Revision Notes for English Beehive - Rain on the Roof (Poem)

• CBSE Class 9 English Beehive Worksheet - Rain on the Roof (Poem)

• CBSE Class 9 English Beehive Important Questions - Rain on The Roof (Poem)

About The Author

Coates Kinney (1826–1904) was an American poet, lawyer, journalist, and politician. He is best known for his poem Rain on the Roof, which reflects his deep connection with nature and emotions. Kinney's works often depicted themes of nostalgia, human feelings, and the beauty of natural surroundings. His poetry is celebrated for its simplicity, emotional depth, and vivid imagery, making it relatable and timeless. Beyond his literary contributions, Kinney had a diverse career, including serving as a Union officer during the American Civil War and later engaging in politics and law. His ability to capture universal human emotions in his poetry has cemented his place in literary history.

The Theme of Rain on the Roof

In the poem Rain on the Roof, the poet reflects on nature's calming and healing power. He expresses the emotions stirred by a rainy day, recalling past moments and memories of long-forgotten days. The poet dreams of simpler times when life was less complicated. A sense of loss, grief, and longing runs throughout the poem, capturing the ups and downs of life.

Rain, as a natural phenomenon, soothes and heals. The poet relaxes in his room as the rain begins to fall, and its sound stirs echoes in his heart. This melody brings back fond memories from his childhood, especially a vivid recollection of his mother’s loving gaze when he and his siblings went to sleep. For the poet, the rain is a source of bliss and comfort.

The rain awakens feelings of home, maternal care, and warmth. It reminds him of his mother, who has long passed away, leaving him with bittersweet memories. As he clings to his pillow, he recalls the best days of his life, which now seem to fade away with time.

Summary of Rain on the Roof in 100 Words

This poem reflects the poet’s emotions when it rains. The sound of rain falling on the roof has a healing effect, especially when one lies comfortably in bed. The poet describes the joy of resting peacefully in a cottage on a rainy night. The rain evokes dreamy imaginations and brings back pleasant, soothing memories. As the poet listens to the rain, he reminisces about his childhood and remembers his mother’s tender love and care.

Rain on the Roof Summary (Stanza-Wise)

Stanza 1

When the humid shadows hover
Overall the starry spheres,
And the melancholy darkness
Gently weeps in rainy tears,
What a bliss to press the pillow
Of a cottage-chamber bed,
And lie listening to the patter
Of the soft rain overhead!

The poet describes a rainy night in this stanza. The "humid shadows" represent dark, heavy clouds full of rain, ready to pour down and cover the night sky like a canopy. These clouds block the stars, giving the sky a somber appearance, as if the rain is shedding tears of sorrow.

Amid this melancholic mood, the poet finds joy in lying on his bed and listening to the soft sound of the rain. He feels fortunate to be safe and comfortable at home, enjoying the soothing rhythm of the raindrops.

Stanza 2

Every tinkle on the shingles
Has an echo in the heart;
And a thousand dreamy fancies
Into busy being start,
And a thousand recollections
Weave their hair-threads into the wood,
As I listen to the patter
Of the rain upon the roof.

Here, the poet describes how the raindrops create a tinkling sound as they fall on the shingles of his cottage roof. This sound resonates deeply with the poet’s emotions, triggering countless imaginations and memories.

The stanza portrays the vivid imagery of rain stirring the poet’s thoughts. It brings back old dreams while inspiring new ones, creating a mix of nostalgia and hope. The pitter-patter of the rain symbolises the poet's inner conflicts—cherishing past memories while confronting the uncertainty of the future.

The poet describes these reflections as “dreamy fancies,” which take him back to his childhood, where all memories weave together into a beautiful picture. He loses himself in the comforting recollection of being a child surrounded by family and love.

Stanza 3

Now in memory comes to my mother,
As she used in years agone,
To regard the darling dreamers,
Ere she left them till dawn:
O! I feel her fond look on me
As I list to this refrain
Which is played upon the shingles
By the patter of the rain.

This stanza focuses on the poet’s loving memory of his mother. Her warmth, care, and nurturing presence are deeply cherished. Although she is no longer with him, her love remains alive in his heart.

As the rain falls, the poet recalls how his mother used to watch over him and his siblings as they slept, knowing she wouldn’t see them until morning. The sound of the rain reminds him of her tender gaze and the golden days of his childhood, which have slipped away with time.

This stanza ties the poem together, emphasising how rain evokes the poet’s memories of love, care, and togetherness. The raindrops can be compared to heartbeats, symbolising the enduring connection between memories and emotions. Even though his mother is gone, her love continues to echo in his heart whenever it rains.

A Brief Summary of the Poem Rain on the Roof Class 9

The poem reflects emotions of sadness, loss, and love. It brings back memories of a mother’s care and affection, highlighting how nurturing and love leave a lifelong impact. The poem beautifully portrays how rain can evoke different feelings for different people. For Coates Kinney, the rain and the dark clouds remind him of his cherished memories with his late mother.