While driving from her parent’s home to Cochin, International Airport, Kamala Das notices her mother, who was sitting beside her, dozing with her mouth open. Her mother’s face was pale like a dead body. The expression on her face was clearly one of pain, born out of fear of separation and old age. A sudden fear and pain crops up in the poet’s mind and she realises that her mother is old now and could pass away leaving her all alone. Though the realisation was alarming, it was hard to accept. At this moment, a sudden fear and pain are felt by the poet. It is realised that her mother has grown old and may pass away one day, leaving her alone. Although this thought is found to be frightening, it is difficult to accept.
In order to drive her thoughts away from the agony and pain on looking at her mother’s colourless pale face, Kamala looks outside the car. The trees racing past and the speeding car were grim reminders that time has flown by. The joyous children playing outside represent youth, energy and life. All this probably reminded of her childhood when her mother was young. After the security check at the airport, Kamala Das looks back at her mother standing a few yards away looking pale and grey like the winter moon. The poet senses a familiar pain and her childhood fear of the thought of losing her mother comes back.
Finally, being overcome with sorrow and fear, goodbye is said to her old mother. However, a smile is maintained so that her true feelings of sadness and pain are hidden.
Intro of “My Mother at Sixty Six Summary “
My Mother at Sixty Six Summary
Theme of the Poem
The poem explores the deep emotional bond between a mother and her daughter and the fear of separation caused by old age and death. Kamala Das reflects on the painful realization that time has weakened her mother and that loss is inevitable. The poem also highlights the passage of time, the contrast between youth and old age, and the silent sorrow that accompanies love. Despite the fear and sadness, the poet tries to remain hopeful and strong, masking her pain with a smile.
Central Idea of the Poem
The central idea of “My Mother at Sixty-Six” is the poet’s sudden awareness of her mother’s ageing and the emotional turmoil it creates. The poem has been written in lyrical idiom and brings out the complexity of human relations. The central idea of the poem is ‘ageing’ which is the eternal law of nature. The poetess had gone to meet her mother whose pale face made her realise that her mother is getting old. The poetess becomes really upset. The poetess also mentions the close relationship which a mother and a daughter share. While going away from her mother who has grown old, poetess gets deeply saddened.
Important points to remember
The poem shows a daughter’s fear of losing her ageing mother.
Kamala Das notices her mother’s pale face during the journey to the airport.
The mother’s appearance reminds the poet of death and separation.
The fast-moving car and trees symbolize the passage of time.
Children playing outside represent youth and life.
The poet recalls her childhood when her mother was young and strong.
Seeing her mother at the airport revives old fears of loss.
The image of the winter moon highlights the mother’s weakness.
The poet hides her sorrow behind a smile while saying goodbye.
The poem reflects love, ageing, separation, and acceptance of reality.
