What is the poem "The Mother" about?

"The Mother" is Brooks' portrait of a poor woman who has
experienced the challenging conditions of material reality and psychological condition. 
In the poem, Brooks pays attention to the difficulty in living in poverty.  When
individuals understand the construct of poverty and economic challenge, it is magnified
when understanding how mothers and caregivers have to operate within such a paradigm. 
This external reality impacts the woman on a psychological level, for her economic
condition compelled her to have multiple abortions.   The exploration of the impact of
both spheres of existence helps to bring to light the difficulty of living in the modern
setting.  In depicting a character in this light, Brooks' poem brings to light how
economically challenged living conditions robs the humanity from those who live there. 
Brooks' subject is challenged by her psychological and sociological state, and this
exploration becomes the basis of the poem.