The poem "Children Understand Him" by Taufiq Rafat,

 

The poem "Children Understand Him" by Taufiq Rafat,

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Stanza 1

Children understand him
And only this has kept intact
His pride and self-respect.

Paraphrase:
The children are the only ones who truly understand him,
and it is this understanding that helps him hold on
to his dignity and sense of self-worth.

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Stanza 2

Otherwise he is a dry stream-bed
Living on memories
And an inadequate pension,

Paraphrase:
Apart from the children's affection,
he feels like a lifeless, dried-up riverbed
surviving only on fading memories and a small, insufficient pension.

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Stanza 3

And the hospitality
Now given, revoked (put an end)
Of his sons and daughters.

Paraphrase:
Now the hospitality has been shifted 

to the his sons and daughters.

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Stanza 4

An old man, who must be humoured, (obey someone)
And sent to his room
When there are guests about,

Paraphrase:

It is consider that the old man would alway obey them,

Whenever visitors came over, he sent to his room

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Stanza 5

But always to be relied on (depend)
To keep the children upstairs
Out of mischief.

Paraphrase:
Yet, he is always trusted
to look after the grandchildren upstairs
and make sure they stay out of trouble.

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Stanza 6

Yes,
They understand him.
From man-roar, and friendly
Punches to the chest,
And damp kisses on scrubbed cheeks,
They sail to the harbour of his knees.

Paraphrase:
Yes, the children truly know him 

angry and friendly mood playfully

 bouncing on his chest,                                                              
and their wet kisses on his old face,
they run to him with love, finding comfort and safety in his lap,
 

Central Idea:

In the poem "Children Understand Him" by Taufiq Rafat, the poet highlights how an

old man, neglected by his adult children, finds emotional comfort and dignity through

the sincere love and understanding of young children.

Short Summary:

In the poem "Children Understand Him" by Taufiq Rafat, the poet highlights the loneliness

of an old man who is neglected by his adult children but finds comfort and dignity in the

innocent love of young children. Their understanding and affection are his only source of

emotional support.