Amma Summary Class 8 English

"Amma" is a poem written by Tabish Khair, an Indian English author and associate professor. The poem is part of his collection of poems titled "Where Parallel Lines Meet." The poem reflects on the presence of the poet's grandmother in a dilapidated house. The poem begins with the poet describing the house, where the plaster is crumbling and falling. The rooms and hall of the house feel empty but carry a sense of intimacy. The poet hears the slow footsteps of his grandmother echoing through the house, just as they did during the long summer afternoons spent together. The poet reminisces about the past, recalling the simple pleasures they shared, like drinking diluted beverages made of mango or lemon, and enjoying watermelon. The grandmother examines the curtains, noting the tears that will need to be mended when the monsoon rain arrives and provides relief from the scorching sun.

The grandmother, despite her arthritic joints, moves from room to room, observing the wear and tear caused by the passing years. She contemplates how long the present will last before the past collapses upon them. The poet acknowledges that his grandmother doesn't need glasses to navigate the contours of the house. However, her eyesight has weakened over time, making it difficult for her to see her grandsons from a distance. The poet recalls a memory when his grandmother wore a blouse inside out but realizes that despite these changes, she remains unchanged in essence. The poem ends by noting that the grandmother's steps will never turn the corner into her, meaning that she will not return to her previous vibrant self. She no longer wears a starched and white sari, and the curtains that once adorned the house have been taken down. In summary, "Amma" is a nostalgic and reflective poem that portrays the presence of the poet's grandmother in a worn-down house. It evokes a sense of loss and the passing of time, highlighting the enduring essence of the grandmother amid the changes in her surroundings.