What does the mother in poem Mother to Son explain?

In Langston Hughes' poem "Mother to Son," the mother uses the metaphor of a staircase to explain the struggles and challenges she has faced in life. She explains that life is not easy, it's full of hardships and obstacles, just like climbing a "long, long climb." She tells her son that he should not give up, even when things get tough, because he has the strength to persevere.

Here are some key aspects of what the mother explains:

* Life is a struggle: She emphasizes that life is a long and difficult journey, filled with "tacks," "boards torn up," and "places with no carpet." These metaphors represent the obstacles and hardships she has encountered.

* Don't give up: The mother encourages her son to keep going, even when things get difficult, because she knows he has the strength to overcome them. She advises him to "keep on going," despite the challenges he might face.

* Be strong and resilient: The mother emphasizes the importance of strength and resilience in facing life's challenges. She tells her son, "I'se still goin', honey," highlighting her own determination and resilience.

* Don't let setbacks define you: The mother emphasizes that even though she has faced many difficulties, she has not let them define her. She continues to move forward, despite the obstacles.

* You can overcome challenges: The mother's message is one of hope and encouragement. She believes that her son can overcome any challenges he faces, just as she has.

Overall, the mother in the poem uses the metaphor of the staircase to explain to her son that life is a challenging but rewarding journey. She encourages him to be strong, resilient, and never give up, even when faced with adversity.