The Poet's Observation

The poem "My Mother at Sixty-Six" by Kamala Das portrays a daughter's poignant observation of her aging mother as they drive together through the streets of an Indian city. The poet captures the emotions and thoughts that arise as she witnesses her mother's vulnerability and mortality.

The Journey

As they embark on their journey, the poet describes the streets as "narrowing" and the city as "dwindling down" which suggests a sense of confinement and the passing of time. The first observation the poet makes is that her mother's face has lost its youthful charm and is now wrinkled and pale. The poet notices her mother's grey hair, which was once black, further emphasizing the passing of time.

The Poet's Reflections

The poet reflects on the fact that her mother, who was once strong and full of life, is now frail and vulnerable due to old age. She imagines her mother's death and envisions her own grief, feeling overwhelmed by the thought of losing her mother. This realization brings forth a deep sense of sadness and melancholy.

The Poet's Concern

As they drive along, the poet becomes increasingly concerned about her mother's well-being. She notices that her mother's hearing is fading, as she has to shout to make herself heard. The poet becomes anxious about her mother's vulnerability in a chaotic and crowded city, fearing that she may get hurt or lost.

The Final Observation

Towards the end of the journey, the poet notices tears welling up in her mother's eyes. This image is significant as it portrays the emotional turmoil that her mother feels, perhaps due to the awareness of her own mortality and the inevitable passage of time.

The Poet's Realization

Through her observations, the poet realizes the transient nature of life and the inevitability of aging and death. She is deeply affected by the vulnerability and mortality of her mother, which prompts her to reflect on her own mortality as well.

Overall, the poem beautifully captures the emotions and thoughts that arise as the poet witnesses her mother's aging process. It highlights the universal theme of the passing of time and the emotional complexities that come with it.