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.
Question: 1
How was the poet’s mother compared?
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Comparisons in poetry often use nature or objects to convey emotions strongly.
The poetess, Kamala Das, compares her mother’s pale, aging face to the wan, dim light of a late winter’s moon, symbolizing weakness, fading life, and approaching death.
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Question: 2
What did the poetess feel?
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In poetry, emotions like fear and love are often universal and timeless.
Seeing her mother’s pale face reminded the poetess of the inevitable truth of mortality. She felt the same fear of separation and death that she had as a child when she realized her mother was growing old.
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Question: 3
What did the poetess do at the time of farewell?
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Sometimes a smile is used to mask deep pain or fear, as shown in this poem.
The poetess controlled her emotions and did not express her fear openly. Instead, she put up a brave front, repeatedly smiling to reassure her mother, even though inside she was filled with sorrow.