Explanation and Summary: Poem 1 - My Mother at Sixty Six

The poem "My Mother at Sixty Six" by Kamala Das is a poignant reflection on the poet's observation of her aging mother. The poem explores themes of mortality, love, and the changing relationship between a mother and her daughter.

Summary:
The speaker in the poem describes the scene of her mother sitting in the car beside her. They are on their way to the poet's ancestral home in Kerala. The poet looks at her mother's face and notices how old and frail she has become at sixty-six years of age. The mother's face, once full of life and vigor, is now lined with wrinkles and her eyes look tired.

As they drive through the city, the poet notices that her mother's face reflects her fear and vulnerability. The mother's eyes are filled with tears, and the poet wonders if she is crying because she is scared of the fast-paced city or if she is aware of her own mortality.

The poet's heart aches as she realizes that her mother, who was once a strong and vibrant woman, is now growing weak and fragile. She reflects on the reality of aging and the inevitability of death. The poet is filled with a deep sense of love and concern for her mother, as she realizes that one day she will have to face the loss of her beloved parent.

The poem concludes with the poet expressing her desire to protect her mother from the harsh realities of life. She wants to shield her from the pain and suffering that comes with old age. The poet is deeply saddened by the thought of her mother's mortality and wishes to hold on to the moments they have together.

Key Points:
- The poem is a reflection on the poet's observation of her aging mother.
- The mother's face is described as old and frail, with wrinkles and tired eyes.
- The poet reflects on the fear and vulnerability reflected in her mother's face.
- The poem explores themes of mortality and the changing relationship between a mother and her daughter.
- The poet expresses her love and concern for her mother and her desire to protect her from the harsh realities of life.
- The poem concludes with the poet's sadness over the thought of her mother's mortality and her desire to cherish their moments together.