1.Based on the poem, the speaker has lived miserably but was able to carry on in life despite the many challenges and trials she has experienced throughout her life. I could say so because the speaker, herself, expressed life in the poem as somewhat complex and toilsome. Her emphasis of the words from lines 2 up to 6 such as "life had tacks, splinters, boards torn up and is bare" all denotes life's perplexity and complexity.
2. "Never give up. Keep on going son." These were the advises of the mother to his son.
3. First, she is a fighter- "Life ain't been no crying crystal stair but all the time, I've been a climbin'on and readin' landin's and turning corners."
Second, she is optimistic- "For I still goin' honey, I've still climbin' and life ain't been no crystal stair without the word 'crying'."
4. Line#2- Life has always been tough. It brings about personal turmoils and sadness.
Line#9- No giving up in life and just keep on going and trying.
Line#14- Don't get back, be strong enough to carry on in life.
Line#17&18- Think positive, don't surrender, and stay hopeful. "We will face life together", mother to son.