The poet views these children as victims of social injustice ,for they are deprived of the bounties of the words .Thus they are the ‘have – not’s ’. Impoverished and undernourished ,they are deprived of the basic necessities of life .Even their rights to educate themselves and hope for a better future are denied to them . They spend their lives confined within the dark holes of their slums.

What did the poet see the children doing?

The poet in the poem "My Mother at sixty-six" by Kamala Das observes the activities of children on the road while traveling with her mother. Through her description, she captures a vivid and poignant moment.

Heading 1: Setting the Scene

The poet and her mother are in a car, driving through a town or city. The atmosphere is calm and peaceful, with the roads lined with trees. The journey takes place during the evening, as the sun is setting. The poet's mother is seated beside her, and they are both observing the world outside the car.

Heading 2: Children on the Road

As the car moves forward, the poet notices a group of children playing on the road. The children are carefree and full of energy, immersed in their innocent games. They are barefoot, suggesting their simplicity and poverty. The poet describes their movements and actions in great detail, allowing the reader to visualize the scene.

Heading 3: Key Observations

- The children are running and laughing, their carefree laughter echoing in the air. They seem oblivious to the worries and responsibilities of the adult world.
- The girls, with their long hair flowing freely, play a game of "catching the ball," their hands stretched out eagerly.
- The boys engage in a game of "hide and seek," trying to hide behind the trees and buildings, their excitement palpable.
- The poet notices that one of the boys is wearing a torn shirt, a symbol of their poverty and lack of resources.
- The children's innocent faces and sparkling eyes reflect their pure joy and happiness, untouched by the complexities of life.

Heading 4: Emotions and Reflections

The poet's observations evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing. She realizes that life has moved forward for her, and she is no longer a carefree child. The sight of the children reminds her of her own youth and the passage of time. She feels a mixture of joy and sadness, as she witnesses the fleeting nature of innocence and the transience of life itself.

In conclusion, the poet sees the children engaged in playful activities on the road. Their carefree nature, innocence, and poverty are vividly depicted through their movements and appearance. This observation triggers a range of emotions and reflections in the poet, highlighting the universal theme of the passing of time and the loss of innocence.