Theme of Lost Childhood in "My Mother at Sixty-Six"
The poem explores the inevitability of ageing and the loss of
innocence in childhood. The poet Kamala Das reflects on her mother's
deteriorating health during a drive to the airport. She is struck by her
mother's frailty, comparing her to a lifeless, pale corpse. The poet’s emotional turmoil is evident as she struggles
to mask her fear of separation. The juxtaposition of life and death is apparent
in the vibrant children playing outside and the decaying figure of her mother.
The poet concludes with a bittersweet farewell, feigning optimism to comfort
herself and her mother. The poem's poignancy lies in its universality—everyone fears the loss of a parent, yet this cycle of life is
inevitable. It highlights the transient nature of life and the enduring bond between
parent and child.