My mother at sixty six (poem class 12 English flamingo)

"My Mother at Sixty-Six" is a poignant poem written by Kamala Das that explores the theme of aging and the relationship between a daughter and her mother. The poet uses vivid imagery and personal reflections to convey her emotions and thoughts about her aging mother. In simple language, here is a summary of the poem:

The poem begins with the speaker describing a journey she takes with her mother. They are driving to the poet's ancestral home, and the poet observes her mother's appearance as they travel. She notices that her mother, who is now sixty-six years old, looks weak and fragile. The poet reflects on her mother's once-beautiful black hair, which has now turned silver-grey.

As they travel, the poet sees her mother staring out of the car window at the passing landscape. Her mother's gaze is distant, as if lost in her own thoughts. The poet wonders what her mother might be thinking about and realizes that her mother's age has made her more contemplative and introspective.

The speaker becomes concerned about her mother's mortality and the inevitable passage of time. She wonders how many more years her mother has left and feels a sense of sadness and apprehension. The poet acknowledges that her mother's physical beauty has faded with age, but her love for her mother remains unchanged and strong.

The poet describes the wrinkles on her mother's face, which have deepened over the years. She compares these wrinkles to rainwater-filled furrows on a field. This comparison suggests the natural and inevitable process of aging. Despite the physical changes, the poet sees her mother's eyes as still bright and youthful.

As the journey continues, the poet notices the weariness in her mother's eyes. She realizes that her mother is growing old and frail, and this realization evokes a sense of vulnerability and tenderness in the poet. She sees her mother as a childlike figure, needing support and care.

The poet is deeply moved by the sight of her mother's vulnerability, and she experiences a surge of love and compassion towards her. She wants to protect her mother from the harshness of the world and shield her from pain and suffering.

In the final lines of the poem, the speaker expresses her fear of losing her mother. She recognizes the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. She hopes that her mother will live a long life and prays for her well-being. The poem concludes with the poet's profound love and concern for her mother, acknowledging the bittersweet reality of aging and the preciousness of their relationship.

In "My Mother at Sixty-Six," Kamala Das beautifully captures the emotions and complexities of the aging process and the bond between a daughter and her mother. Through simple yet evocative language, the poem reflects on the universal themes of mortality, love, and the passing of time.