慈母手中線，The thread on a tenderly fond mothers hands

游子身上衣。 makes the robe of an outgoing son.

臨行密密縫， As his leaving day draws nearer, the stitching gets closer and closer,

意恐遲遲歸。 lest he should come back home delayed and delayed.

誰言寸草心， Who can say how his heart is as tiny as an inch-long grass

報得三春暉。 could repay the warm sunshine of the whole spring?