Class 12 English: Hindi Translation of My Mother at Sixty-Six from Book Flamingo (Poetry)
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 realized 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……
__ Kamla Das
Summary of My Mother at Sixty-six
The Indian poet Kamla Das, who wrote under the pen name of ‘Madhavikutty’, has penned a touching poem about her feelings of love and affection towards her aging mother. During a visit to her mother, as she was on her way back to the airport to return to Cochin, the poet observed her mother who had dozed off to sleep. The ageing face of her mother appeared smoky in colour like ash, with her mouth open resembling a dead body. This made the poet realize the reality of her mother’s age, evoking feelings of pain and sympathy.
To overcome the somber mood, the poet shifted her gaze out of the car’s window, where she saw young trees passing by, and little children running out of their houses into the playgrounds, symbolizing energy, life and happiness – in stark contrast to the ageing face of her mother.
As they arrived at the airport, the poet glanced at her mother once again, and observed her appearing weak and pale, similar to the moon in the winter season, that appears to have lost all its strength. This evoked feelings of pain and fear in the poet, reminding her of her childhood when she used to fear losing her mother even for a few moments. The thought of losing her mother permanently now as she was about to die, was unbearable for the poet. Though the poet did not express her feelings, she smiled and said “see you soon, Amma”, wishing for her mother to live so that they could meet again.
Summary in Hindi
यह एक दुखद कविता है जो भारतीय कवि कमला दास ने लिखी है, जो उन्होंने पेन नाम ‘माधविकुट्टी’ के तहत लिखी थी। इस कविता में, उन्होंने अपनी बूढ़ी होती माँ के प्रति अपनी प्रेम और संवेदना की भावना को व्यक्त किया है।
एक बार कवि अपनी माँ को मिलने गई, जो उस समय कार में बैठी हुई थी जब वह कोच्चि हवाई अड्डे की ओर जा रही थी। उसकी माँ सो चुकी थी, और उनका बुढ़ापा उनके चेहरे पर सफेद रंग की तरह जैसे राख के रंग का लग रहा था। उनका मुंह खुला था और वह एक मुर्दा शरीर की तरह दिख रही थी। कवि को यह अनुभव हुआ कि उसकी माँ बुढ़ी हो गई हैं और उसे उनके लिए दुख और सहानुभूति महसूस होती है। उसकी माँ को प्यार, स्नेह और देखभाल की जरूरत थी।
कवि ने अपनी माँ से नज़रें हटा दीं, क्योंकि वह दुखी महसूस नहीं करना चाहती थीं और कार की खिड़की की तरफ देखने लगीं । उन्होंने बाहर नए पेड़ों को देखा जो गतिशील कार से तेज़ी से गुज़र रहे थे। छोटे बच्चे खेलने के लिए आमंत्रित हो रहे थे और अपने घरों से बाहर भाग रहे थे। ये नज़ारे उनकी माँ की बुढ़ापे की स्थिति से बहुत अलग थे। उन्होंने कमजोरी, थकान और दुख का प्रतीक बनाते हुए अपनी माँ की वृद्धावस्था को दर्शाया है।
जैसे ही वे हवाई अड्डे पहुँचे और कवि विमान में सवार होने जा रही थी , वह अपनी माँ की तरफ मुड़ के देखने लगीं । वह कमजोर और मृदुल दिख रही थीं, जैसे सर्दियों में चाँदनी ख़त्म हो गई हो, जैसे उसने सब अपनी ताक़त खो दी हो। कवि ने अपनी माँ को खोने का दर्द और भय महसूस किया। उन्होंने अपने बचपन को याद किया जब उन्हें अपनी माँ को खोने का डर रहता था। बचपन में वह उससे दूर रहना नहीं चाहती थीं ,कुछ पल के लिए भी नहीं । लेकिन अब उन्हें माँ को हमेशा के लिए खोना का डर था क्योंकि उनकी माँ मर रही थीं और वह उन्हें हमेशा के लिए खो देने वाली थीं। कवि ने अपने भावनाओं को व्यक्त नहीं किया। उन्होंने मुसकुराकर कहा, “जल्दी मिलेंगे, अम्मा,” क्योंकि वह चाहते थे कि उनकी माँ जिंदा रहें और फिर से मिलें।
Understanding the Poem “My Mother at Sixty-six”
“My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamla Das is a poignant and reflective poem about a daughter’s realization of her mother’s aging and mortality.
The poem is set in India, as the narrator is driving from her parent’s home to Cochin. As she drives, she notices her mother sleeping beside her with her mouth open, and her face looking ashen like that of a corpse. This sight makes the narrator feel a sense of pain and sadness as she realizes that her mother is as old as she looks.
However, the narrator quickly puts that thought away and tries to focus on the world around her. She observes the young trees sprinting and the children spilling out of their homes, trying to distract herself from her thoughts. But even after the airport’s security check, the narrator is still haunted by her realization about her mother’s age and mortality. The poet looks at her mother again and feels the familiar ache of childhood fear. She notices that her mother looks wan and pale, like a late winter’s moon.
The poem ends with the poet bidding farewell to her mother, saying that she will see her soon, and smiling.
The poem captures the universal experience of watching a loved one age and the emotions that come with that realization. The juxtaposition of the mother’s sleep and the world outside, full of youthful energy and vitality, highlights the contrast between life and death, youth and aging. The poem ends on a poignant note, leaving the reader with a sense of the narrator’s grief and acceptance of the inevitable passage of time.
The poem also highlights the complexity of emotions that the poet experiences, as she tries to reconcile her feelings of fear and pain with her love i.e. poet’s inner sadness and her outward smile for her mother.
Explanation of “My Mother at Sixty-six”
The poem “My mother at sixty-six” by Kamla Das is a poignant reflection on the fragility of life, the inevitability of aging, and the pain of separation. The poem is a personal account of the poet’s journey from her parent’s home to the city of Cochin with her mother. The journey becomes a moment of realization for the poet, as she observes her mother dozing off beside her in the car and notices how old and frail she has become.
The poem begins with the poet’s description of her journey from her parent’s home to Cochin. She sees her mother dozing off beside her with an open mouth and an ashen face. The poet realizes that her mother looks as old as she is, and this realization fills her with pain. However, she soon puts that thought away and tries to distract herself by looking out at the young trees and merry children playing outside their homes. The poet is trying to cope with her mother’s aging by denying it and focusing on the beauty of life around her.
The real impact of the situation, however, hits the poet when she reaches the airport’s security check. Standing a few yards away from her mother, she looks at her again and sees her as wan and pale as a late winter’s moon. This sight triggers memories of her childhood’s fear, the fear of losing her mother. The poet’s childhood memories resurface, and she feels an ache in her heart. The poem becomes a powerful meditation on the inevitability of aging and death.
In the end, the poet tries to mask her pain by saying, “see you soon, Amma,” and smiling repeatedly. The poet’s repeated smile is a symbol of her attempt to suppress her emotions and pain. She wants to hold onto her mother as long as she can and not let go. However, the reality of life and aging is too stark to ignore, and the poem ends with a sense of melancholy and sadness.
Overall, “My mother at sixty-six” is a touching and moving poem that captures the pain of aging, separation, and loss. The poem is an expression of the universal human experience of coping with the inevitability of aging and death. The poet’s use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and evocative language makes this poem a poignant and memorable piece of literature.
Stanza Wise Explanation of “My Mother at Sixty-six”
The poem “My Mother at Sixty-Six” by Kamla Das is a poignant reflection on the poet’s emotional response to seeing her aging mother. The poem is structured in a series of stanzas that chart the poet’s emotional journey as she sees her mother in different contexts.
My Mother at Sixty-Six:
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 realized with pain
that she was as old as she
looked but soon
The poem begins with the poet driving from her parent’s home to Cochin. She sees her mother dozing beside her in the car, with her mouth open and her face ashen like that of a corpse. The poet realizes with pain that her mother is as old as she looks.
put that thought away, and
looked out at Young
Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
out of their homes, but after the airport’s
In this stanza, the poet puts that thought away and tries to focus on the young trees and merry children outside. She tries to distract herself from the realization that her mother is aging.
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,
After the airport’s security check, the poet looks at her mother again and sees her as wan and pale as a late winter’s moon. The poet feels the familiar ache of childhood fear and sadness, as she is reminded that her mother is getting older.
but all I said was, see you soon, Amma,
all I did was smile and smile and
smile……
In the final stanza, the poet acknowledges her feelings but doesn’t express them directly to her mother. Instead, she simply says, “see you soon, Amma,” and smiles and smiles and smiles, hiding her emotions from her mother.
Analysis of “My Mother at Sixty-six”
The poem “My mother at sixty-six” by Kamla Das is a poignant reflection on the relationship between a mother and her adult daughter, and the passage of time that inevitably brings aging and mortality. The speaker is driving with her mother, who is asleep in the passenger seat, and she notices her mother’s face looks ashen and corpse-like. This realization causes the speaker to feel pain, as she acknowledges that her mother is as old as she looks. However, the speaker quickly pushes this thought away and distracts herself by looking out at the young trees and children playing.
The second stanza depicts the moment when the speaker is standing at the airport security check, a few yards away from her mother. She looks at her mother once again and notices how pale and wan she appears, like a late winter’s moon. This sight triggers a wave of emotions in the speaker, as she recalls her childhood fears and the realization that her mother is growing old. However, the speaker keeps her emotions in check and only says, “See you soon, Amma,” while smiling repeatedly.
The poem explores the complex emotions that arise when we confront our parents’ aging and mortality. The speaker’s initial reaction is to push away the painful thought that her mother is aging and instead focuses on the present moment, looking at the young trees and children playing. This reaction is understandable and is often a way of coping with the inevitability of aging and death. However, the speaker’s emotions resurface when she sees her mother again, and the sight of her mother’s frailty and aging triggers childhood fears and sadness.
The poem’s simple language and structure convey a sense of immediacy and intimacy, allowing the reader to feel as if they are sharing the speaker’s thoughts and emotions. The poem ends with the repetition of the word “smile,” which can be interpreted in different ways. On one hand, the repetition of “smile” can be seen as a way for the speaker to hide her true emotions and to put on a brave face. On the other hand, it can be viewed as a gesture of love and warmth towards her mother, a way of reassuring her that everything is okay.
Overall, “My mother at sixty-six” is a moving and relatable poem that explores the complexities of the mother-daughter relationship and the emotions that arise when we confront our parents’ aging and mortality.
Questions with Answers
Questions and Answers – Short Answer Type (40-50 words)
Q1. ‘See you soon Amma.’ How are these words contrary to the speaker’s emotions?
Answer: The speaker feels deep sadness and fear about her mother’s aging and the possibility of losing her. However, she says “See you soon, Amma” to comfort her mother and hide her own emotions. These words show hope and cheerfulness, but inside, the poet is filled with pain and worry.
Q2. Justify the statement: “Being conscious of our mortality helps us cherish our moments with each other.”
Answer: The poet realizes her mother’s aging and the inevitability of death. This awareness deepens her love and concern for her mother. It teaches us to value time with loved ones and express care and gratitude while they are still with us, as life is fleeting.
Q3. In the poem ‘My Mother at Sixty Six,’ the poet hides her emotions from her mother. Do you think it was right of her to do so?
Answer: Yes, it was right for the poet to hide her emotions. Expressing sadness might have worried her mother. By smiling and saying “See you soon,” the poet provides comfort and reassurance. Sometimes, hiding our pain is necessary to protect loved ones from unnecessary stress.
Q4. What is the significance of the word ‘but’ in ‘but all I said was see you soon, Amma’?
Answer: The word “but” contrasts the poet’s inner feelings with her outward actions. While she feels sadness and fear of separation, she does not express it. Instead, she speaks calmly and reassuringly, showing emotional strength and maturity to protect her mother from worry.
Q5. What are the feelings of the poet about her aged mother with reference to the poem ‘My Mother at Sixty-six’?
Answer: The poet feels deep love, concern, and sadness for her mother. She realizes that her mother is growing old and fragile. This thought brings back her childhood fear of losing her mother, but she hides her emotions and tries to stay hopeful for her mother’s sake.
Q6. State the common issue faced by most of the aged in the current times, with reference to the poem ‘My Mother at Sixty-six’.
Answer: The poem highlights loneliness and neglect as common issues faced by the aged. As children grow up and move away for work or other reasons, parents often feel isolated. The poet’s mother sitting quietly and dozing in the car reflects this loneliness and physical frailty.
Q7. Justify the statement: “Being conscious of our mortality helps us cherish our moments with each other.”
Answer: The poet realizes her mother’s aging and the inevitability of death. This awareness deepens her love and concern for her mother. It teaches us to value time with loved ones and express care and gratitude while they are still with us, as life is fleeting.
Q8. In the poem ‘My Mother at Sixty Six,’ the poet hides her emotions from her mother. Do you think it was right of her to do so?
Answer: Yes, it was right for the poet to hide her emotions. Expressing sadness might have worried her mother. By smiling and saying “See you soon,” the poet provides comfort and reassurance. Sometimes, hiding our pain is necessary to protect loved ones from unnecessary stress.
Q9. Kamala Das speaks of ‘an old familiar ache…’ What do you think is the reason for this feeling?
Answer: The “old familiar ache” refers to the poet’s childhood fear of losing her mother. As a child, she dreaded being separated from her mother, and now, seeing her mother’s frailty, that fear resurfaces, reflecting her emotional vulnerability and deep bond with her mother.
Q 10. Why has the poet mentioned ‘merry children spilling out of their home’ in the poem?
Answer: The poet mentions “merry children” to symbolize youth, energy, and the ongoing cycle of life. This contrasts with her aging mother’s frailty, highlighting the difference between the vibrancy of childhood and the stillness of old age. It also distracts her from her painful thoughts momentarily.
Q.11. Kamala Das speaks of ‘an old familiar ache…’ . What do you think is the reason for this feeling?
Answer: The “old familiar ache” refers to Kamala Das’s childhood fear of losing her mother. This fear resurfaces when she sees her mother’s frail, aging face, reminding her of the inevitability of separation and mortality. It reflects her deep emotional bond with her mother and her pain at the thought of parting.
Q 12. What is the poet’s childhood fear?
Answer: The poet’s childhood fear is the fear of losing her mother. This fear of separation and death resurfaces when she sees her mother’s aging and frail condition.
Q 13. What does the poet’s smile in the poem ‘My Mother at Sixty-Six’ show?
Answer: The poet’s smile shows her attempt to hide her pain and fear from her mother. It is a way of reassuring her mother and maintaining a hopeful and cheerful demeanor, even though she feels deep sadness inside.
Or
The poet’s smile shows her effort to hide her pain and fear of losing her mother. It is a mask to reassure her mother, showing strength and love, even though she is deeply sad and worried inside.
Q 14. Why does the poet look at ‘young trees’ and ‘merry children’?
Answer: The poet looks at the “young trees” and “merry children” to distract herself from the painful thought of her mother’s aging. These images symbolize youth, life, and energy, contrasting with her mother’s frailty, and provide a momentary escape from her sadness.
Q 15. Why are the youngsters described as springing?
Answer: The youngsters are described as “springing” to emphasize their energy, vitality, and joy. This lively movement symbolizes the cycle of life, contrasting with the stillness and fragility of the poet’s aging mother.
Q 16. Having looked at her mother, why does Kamala Das look at the young children?
Answer: Kamala Das looks at the young children to shift her focus from the painful reality of her mother’s frailty. The children symbolize hope, joy, and the continuity of life, which temporarily comforts her in her emotional turmoil.
Q 17. In the last line of the poem, ‘My Mother at Sixty-six,’ why does the poet use the word ‘smile’ repeatedly?
Answer: The repeated use of the word “smile” reflects the poet’s effort to control her emotions and appear positive. It shows her attempt to reassure her mother while hiding her own sadness and fear of separation.
Q 18. What different images does the poet use to convey the idea of her mother’s old age?
Answer: The poet uses the following images to depict her mother’s old age:
“Pale as a late winter’s moon” – conveys dimness, fragility, and fading life.
These images highlight the inevitability of aging and mortality.
“Her face ashen like a corpse” – suggests frailty and approaching death.
Q 19. What were the poet’s feelings as she drove to Cochin airport?
Answer: The poet felt deep sadness and fear while driving to the airport. Seeing her mother’s frailty reminded her of mortality and the possibility of losing her. However, she tried to suppress her emotions and focus on hopeful and happy thoughts.
Q 20. Why has the poet’s mother been compared to the ‘late winter’s moon’?
Answer: The poet’s mother is compared to the “late winter’s moon” to show her pale, weak, and fragile state. Just as the moon in late winter is dim and lacks brightness, her mother’s aging reflects a fading vitality and nearing end of life.
Q&A – Long Answer Type (120-150 words)
Q. 1. Imagine the mother gets to know of the poet persona’s fears. Write a letter, as the mother, telling the daughter why she must not dwell on these fears.
You may begin this way:
Pallipuram
Cochin,
Kerala
22 August’ 60
My dear Kamala
I am writing to you because when you left me at the airport, I felt something wasn’t right. Judging by how little you spoke that day ………………………. ……………………………………… (continue) …………………………………
With love
Amma
>>>> Answer: Two Sample Answers are given below:
Sample Answer – 1
Pallipuram,
Cochin, Kerala,
22 August, ’60
My dear Kamala,
I am writing to you because when you left me at the airport, I felt something wasn’t right. Judging by how little you spoke that day and the look in your eyes, I sensed that you were worried about me. Perhaps, you are afraid of my aging and what it may bring.
Kamala, my child, I want you to know that life is a cycle, and aging is a natural part of it. It’s not something to fear or dwell on. Instead of worrying, focus on cherishing the moments we have together. Remember the happy times we’ve shared, the laughter, and the love. These memories are far more precious than any worry about the future.
My dear, your smile when you said, “See you soon, Amma,” gave me so much comfort and hope. It reminded me of your strength and love. I want you to hold on to that strength and live your life fully, without the shadow of fear.
Even as I grow older, my heart will always be filled with pride and love for you. So, let go of your worries and live each day with joy, knowing that I am happy and content.
Take care of yourself, Kamala. I look forward to seeing you again soon. Until then, keep smiling.
With all my love,
Amma
Sample Answer – 2
Pallipuram
Cochin, Kerala
22 August’ 60
My dear Kamala,
I am writing to you because when you left me at the airport, I felt something wasn’t right. Judging by how little you spoke that day and how your smile seemed forced, I could sense that you were troubled. I understand that you have always been protective of me, and I know how deeply you care. But my dear, please don’t let fear and sadness take away the joy we still have together.
You worry about me growing old and frail, but you must remember that age is a natural part of life. We all grow older, and it is something we cannot change. What matters is the love we share, and I have lived a full and beautiful life because of it. Though I may be weaker now, my heart is still full of love for you.
Please do not waste your time worrying about the inevitable. Instead, cherish the time we have. Every moment with you is precious to me, and I want you to live without fear of losing me. I will always be in your heart, Kamala, and I am content knowing that I have raised a strong and caring daughter like you.
Life has its own course, my dear, and you must accept it with grace. Don’t let fear cloud the beauty of the moments we have left.
With all my love,
Your mother
Q. 2. Imagine you are the poet’s friend. Write a dialogue exchange between yourself and the poet where the latter confides in you about her fears and asks for your advice. What would your advice be –to face her fears, to ignore them or something else?
Answer: Two Sample Answers are being given here:
Dialogue Exchange Between the Poet and Her Friend
Sample Answer – 1
Poet: (Sighs deeply) I’ve been feeling so uneasy since I left Amma at the airport.
Friend: What’s bothering you, Kamala? You seem really down.
Poet: It’s my mother. She’s growing so old, and when I looked at her pale face, I couldn’t help but think… what if I lose her? That thought terrifies me.
Friend: I understand, Kamala. It’s hard seeing loved ones grow older. But what are you afraid of exactly?
Poet: I fear being separated from her. It’s like that childhood fear has come back, but stronger now because she looks so frail. I don’t know how to handle this feeling.
Friend: It’s natural to feel that way. She’s your mother, and you love her deeply. But worrying won’t change the reality of life.
Poet: So, should I just ignore these thoughts?
Friend: No, don’t ignore them, but don’t let them consume you either. Face your fears by accepting that aging and loss are parts of life. What’s important is to cherish the time you have with her now.
Poet: That makes sense, but it’s easier said than done.
Friend: True, but think about this—if you spend all your time worrying, you’ll miss the joy of the moments you still have with her. Talk to her, share your feelings, and make her feel loved. That’s the best you can do.
Poet: You’re right. I need to focus on what matters—being with her and creating memories. Thank you for helping me see things clearly.
Friend: Anytime, Kamala. Remember, love is stronger than fear. Focus on that.
Sample Answer – 2
Poet (Kamala Das):
I feel such a heaviness in my heart lately. Every time I look at my mother, I see the frailty in her. She’s growing older, and I can’t help but fear the day I might lose her. It’s like that childhood fear coming back again. I don’t know how to face it. Do you think I’m being silly to feel this way?
Friend:
Kamala, I understand your fears. It’s difficult to see someone we love growing old, and it’s natural to be afraid of losing them. But the truth is, none of us can escape time. Your mother is aging, yes, but that doesn’t mean you should live in constant fear of what might come. Cherish each moment with her instead.
Poet (Kamala Das):
I try, but every time I see her pale face or think of her getting weaker, my heart aches. I feel like I should prepare myself for the inevitable, but I don’t know how.
Friend:
It’s important to acknowledge your feelings, Kamala, but it’s also essential to focus on the present. Your fear may never fully go away, but you can choose to spend your time with your mother joyfully, in the here and now. Don’t let fear take away the happiness of your moments together. Perhaps, it’s about accepting what we cannot change and making the most of what we have today.
Poet (Kamala Das):
So, you’re saying I should stop fearing the future and just live in the present?
Friend:
Exactly. Fear of the future can paralyze us. Embrace your emotions, but don’t let them control you. Love your mother as you always have, and smile through the pain. Sometimes, facing our fears doesn’t mean fighting them head-on; it’s about finding peace with them and letting them motivate us to love and live more fully.
Poet (Kamala Das):
Thank you. I think you’re right. I need to focus on what we have now, not on what might happen. I’ll try my best to live each day with her fully and embrace every moment of it.
Friend:
That’s the way, Kamala. Fear won’t vanish completely, but your love and strength can make it more bearable. Just be there for her, and for yourself too.
