MY MOTHER AT 66

The poem My Mother at Sixty-Six by Kamala Das expresses the poet’s deep emotional bond with her ageing mother and her fear of separation. While travelling with her mother, the poet notices signs of old age on her mother’s face, which appears pale and lifeless. This sudden realization fills her with pain and anxiety about the inevitability of death. To distract herself, the poet looks outside at the lively world, symbolizing youth and continuity of life. However, the image of her mother’s frailty continues to haunt her. At the airport, the poet struggles to hide her emotions and smiles at her mother, offering reassurance despite her inner fear. The poem beautifully captures themes of ageing, love, loss, and the universal fear of losing one’s parents. The simple language and powerful imagery make the poem deeply moving and relatable.

A class by faculty of English from renowned educational institutions of kota.