"My Mother at Sixty-Six"

                       Kamala Das

 

"My Mother at Sixty-Six" is a poignant poem by Kamala Das that delves into the themes of aging, love, and filial emotions. The title itself holds significant meaning and sets the tone for the exploration of these themes.

• The title "My Mother at Sixty-Six" suggests a specific moment in time - the age of sixty-six. This age becomes a focal point for the poet to reflect on her mother's journey through life and the inevitable process of aging. The number "sixty-six" carries symbolic weight, indicating the twilight years of a person's life. It is an age where physical and emotional vulnerabilities often become more pronounced, and one may confront the reality of mortality.

 

• Aging is a central theme in the poem, and the title encapsulates the speaker's contemplation of her mother's advancing years. The poem vividly describes the physical changes in the mother's appearance, such as the greying hair and the withered skin, signaling the passage of time. The title, therefore, serves as a marker for the poet to observe and convey the impact of aging on her mother.

 

• Love is another significant theme, and it is manifested in the daughter's concern and care for her aging mother. The title emphasizes the personal connection by using the possessive pronoun "My," highlighting the intimate relationship between the speaker and her mother. The poet's observations and reflections on her mother's vulnerability at this age evoke a deep sense of love and empathy. The title becomes a lens through which the reader can explore the nuances of the mother-daughter relationship in the context of aging.

 

• Filial emotions, the complex feelings between parent and child, are also explored in the poem. The title, by specifying the relationship, emphasizes the unique bond between the speaker and her mother. The poet grapples with the emotions of witnessing her mother age and reflects on the shifting dynamics of their relationship. The title anchors the exploration of filial emotions, prompting the reader to consider the emotional complexities that arise as parents age and children take on roles of caregivers and witnesses to the inevitable changes.

In conclusion, the title "My Mother at Sixty-Six" is a significant entry point into the exploration of aging, love, and filial emotions in Kamala Das's poem. It sets the temporal and emotional context, guiding the reader through a contemplative journey that unveils the impact of time on the physical and emotional landscape of the mother and the evolving dynamics of the mother-daughter relationship. The title, thus, acts as a gateway to the rich thematic tapestry woven within the verses of the poem.

-Thank you