My Mother At

Sixty-six
P R E S E N T A T I O N

Written by : Kamala Das

About the poet :
Kamala Das (1934) was born in Malabar, Kerala. She
is recognised as one of India’s foremost poets. Her works
are known for their originality, versatility and the
indigenous flavour of the soil. Kamala Das has published
many novels and short stories in English and
Malayalam under the name ‘Madhavikutty’. Some of
her works in English include the novel Alphabet of Lust
(1977), a collection of short stories Padmavati the Harlot
and Other Stories (1992), in addition to five books of
poetry. She is a sensitive writer who captures the
complex subtleties of human relationships in lyrical
idiom, My Mother at Sixty-six is an example.
 Poem :
Driving from my parent’s
home to Cochin last Friday
morning, I saw my mother,
beside me,
doze, open mouthed, her face
ashen like that
of a corpse and realised with
pain
that she was as old as she
looked but soon
put that thought away, and
looked out at Young
Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
out of their homes, but after the airport’s
security check, standing a few yards
away, I looked again at her, wan,
pale
as a late winter’s moon and felt that
old
familiar ache, my childhood’s fear,
but all I said was, see you soon,
Amma,
all I did was smile and smile and
smile......
 Theme :
The theme of the poem "My Mother at Sixty Six" is the
inevitability of aging and the emotions that come with it.
The poem explores the speaker's feelings towards her
mother as they travel together in a car. The following are
the key themes in the poem:
1. Aging
2. Love and Family
3. Mortality
4. Nature and Environment
 Vocabulary :
1. Wan - colorless, pallid
2. Late winter's moon - Dim moon shrouded by clouds
3. Spilling - Run out
4. Ashen - Grey (old age)
5. Ache - Pain
6. Sprinting - Short fast race, running
Summary :
The poem "My Mother at Sixty-Six" by Kamala Das is a poignant and emotionally charged tribute
to the poet's aging mother. It explores the theme of mortality and the transient nature of human
life, highlighting the poet's realization of her mother's vulnerability and the inevitability of her
own future loss.
1. Introduction - The poem begins with the poet describing a journey she takes with her
mother. They are driving to the poet's ancestral home in Kerala, India. The poet observes her
mother's physical fragility and the signs of aging, such as her wrinkled skin and gray hair.
2. Description of the Mother - The poet vividly portrays her mother as a fragile and delicate
figure, comparing her to a withered leaf. She notes the contrast between her mother's youthful
spirit and her aging body, emphasizing the fleeting nature of time and the inevitable process of
decay.
3. The Poet's Emotional Response - As the journey progresses, the poet becomes
increasingly aware of her mother's mortality. She notices her mother's weakened state and the
fear in her eyes, which makes the poet feel a deep sense of sadness and empathy. The poet's
own mortality is also brought to the forefront of her mind, as she contemplates the eventual
loss of her mother.
Summary :
4. The Symbolism of the Journey - The journey itself serves as a metaphor for the passage
of time and the transient nature of life. The car ride represents the journey of life, with the
mother and daughter moving forward together. However, the poet realizes that one day, she
will have to continue the journey alone, as her mother will eventually pass away.

5. Conclusion - The poem concludes with the poet reflecting on the timeless love between a
mother and child. Despite the inevitable loss and the pain it brings, the bond between them
remains unbreakable. The poet's deep affection for her mother is evident throughout the
poem, making it a heartfelt tribute to the strength and vulnerability of a parent-child
relationship.
THANK YOU