The poem "A Poem for Mother" by Robin S Ngangom is featured in the collection of poetry titled "Words and Silence," published in 1998. In this heartfelt poem, the speaker addresses his mother, Palem Apokpi, reflecting on the intricate tapestry of emotions woven over the course of a decade since leaving home. The verses unfold as a poignant journey through the speaker's past, laden with nostalgia, regrets, and self-awareness. As he revisits childhood memories, maternal wisdom, and the daily sacrifices of his mother, themes of conflict between expectations and reality, the smallness of dreams, and the enduring love within familial bonds emerge. In this blog, we will deal with the summary, themes, structure and literary devices used in the poem.
Table of Contents
About Robin S. Ngangom
Robin Singh Ngangom is an Indian poet and writer known for his contributions to contemporary Indian literature. Born in Imphal, Manipur, Ngangom's work often reflects his experiences and observations, particularly regarding the cultural and social landscape of northeastern India. He writes in both English and Manipuri, contributing significantly to the literary heritage of the region. Ngangom's poetry is recognized for its evocative imagery, exploration of cultural identity, and themes that often delve into the complexities of human relationships.
His notable work includes:
- "Words and Silence" (1998): This poetry collection features the poem "A Poem for Mother" and is considered one of Ngangom's noteworthy works.
- "Time's Crossroads" (2004): Ngangom's poetry collection "Time's Crossroads" further explores themes of identity, culture, and the complexities of life.
- "The Desire of Roots" (2018): Ngangom has been credited with works that delve into the desire for cultural and personal roots. This collection reflects on issues of displacement and the quest for identity.
Summary of the poem
Palem Apokpi, mother who gave birth to me,
to be a man how I hated leaving home
ten years ago. Now these hills
have grown on me.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing his mother, Palem Apokpi, reflecting on the conflicting emotions he felt ten years ago when leaving home. Over time, he has developed an attachment to the hills, but he acknowledges the lingering impact of his departure. The speaker characterizes himself as Palem Apokpi's shy son with a hearty appetite, reminiscing about the days when he lost teeth consuming the family's provisions. These details provide a glimpse into the speaker's identity and his connection to his roots.
But I’m still your painfully shy son
with a ravenous appetite,
the boy who lost many teeth after
emptying your larder. And
I am also your dreamy-eyed lad
who gave you difficult times
during his schooldays, romancing
every girl he wanted, even
when he still wore half-pants.
You told your children that
money and time do not grow on trees, and
I could never learn to keep up with them.
It isn’t that I’ve forgotten
what you’ve come to mean to me
though I abandoned much and left
so little of myself for others
to remember me.
The poem then explores the dual nature of the speaker's past, presenting him as both the mischievous lad causing trouble during school days and the boy who engaged in romantic pursuits even while wearing half-pants. This contrast adds complexity to the speaker's character, showing different facets of his youth.
Further, The mother's wisdom surfaces as the speaker recalls her teachings about money and time, revealing his inability to adhere to her guidance, further emphasizing the divergence between expectations and reality.
I know how you work your fingers to the bone
as all mothers do, for unmarried sons,
ageing husband and liberated daughters-in-law.
Worried about us, for a long time
your lips couldn’t burgeon in a smile,
lines have furrowed your face and
first signs of snow are on your hair.
Today, as on every day you must have risen
with temple bells before cockcrow, swept
the floors and after the sacred bath
cooked for the remainder of us. I can see you
returning every dusk from the bazaar,
your head laden with baskets.
Must you end toiling forever?
The narrative shifts to an acknowledgment of the mother's sacrifices and hard work. The speaker paints a vivid picture of Palem Apokpi's daily routine, from early morning rituals to returning from the bazaar burdened with baskets. This portrayal highlights the mother's dedication to her family and the physical toll of her responsibilities. The speaker questions whether she must continue this toil indefinitely, expressing concern for her well-being and contemplating the possibility of her finding respite.
I’m sorry Palem.
I’ve inherited nothing
of your stable ways or culinary skills.
Forgive me, for all your dreams
of peace during your remnant days
I turned out to be a small man
with small dreams, living a small life.
The poem takes a poignant turn as the speaker issues a heartfelt apology to his mother. He admits to not inheriting her stability or culinary skills, expressing remorse for not living up to her expectations. The speaker humbly recognizes the disparity between his mother's dreams for him and the reality of his modest existence. The poem concludes with a final apology, underscoring the speaker's awareness of his shortcomings and conveying a deep sense of regret for not fulfilling his mother's aspirations. Through these stanzas, the poem weaves a narrative of reflection, remorse, and a son's acknowledgment of his mother's enduring sacrifices.
Themes in the poem
Several themes emerge from the poem, enriching its narrative and emotional depth:
Maternal Sacrifice and Hard Work: The poem vividly portrays the mother's sacrifices and relentless hard work for her family. The detailed imagery of her daily routine and burdens from the bazaar underscores the theme of maternal dedication and the challenges faced by mothers in fulfilling their familial roles.
Conflict between Expectations and Reality: The speaker reflects on the disparity between his mother's dreams for him and the reality of his life. This theme explores the tension between parental expectations, represented by the mother's teachings, and the speaker's choices, creating a poignant narrative of unfulfilled aspirations.
Nostalgia and Childhood Reflections: Childhood memories and reflections play a significant role in the poem. The speaker reminisces about his youth, contrasting his mischievous and romantic sides. Nostalgia becomes a theme as the speaker grapples with the passage of time and the impact of his past on his present.
Regret and Self-Reflection: The poem is permeated with a sense of regret as the speaker acknowledges his shortcomings and the smallness of his life. Self-reflection becomes a central theme, emphasizing the speaker's awareness of his own limitations and the impact of his choices on his relationship with his mother.
Identity and Inherited Traits: The exploration of the speaker's identity is a recurring theme, particularly in the stanza where he reflects on not inheriting his mother's stable ways or culinary skills. This theme delves into the idea of familial inheritance and the ways in which individuals diverge from or embody the traits of their parents.
Desire for Reprieve and Concern for the Mother: The poem introduces a theme of concern for the mother's well-being, questioning whether she must continue to toil endlessly. The speaker subtly expresses a desire for her to find reprieve from her burdens, adding a layer of compassion and empathy to the narrative.
Smallness of Dreams and Life: The theme of a "small life" and "small dreams" permeates the poem, highlighting the speaker's acknowledgement of a modest existence. This theme contributes to the overall sense of regret and reflects on the choices that have led to a life that falls short of the mother's expectations.
Structure and form
The poem appears to follow a free verse form, lacking a strict rhyme scheme or regular meter. This choice of form enhances the natural flow of the speaker's reflections, allowing for a more organic and authentic expression of emotions.
Literary Devices used
The poem employs several literary devices to enhance its expressiveness and convey the depth of the speaker's emotions. Some literary devices used in the poem are:
Imagery: The poem is rich in imagery, using vivid and sensory descriptions to paint a detailed picture of the speaker's memories and the mother's daily routine. For example, the portrayal of the mother returning from the bazaar with her head laden with baskets creates a vivid mental image.
Metaphor: The theme of the hills "growing on" the speaker serves as a metaphor for the gradual attachment and connection he develops to his surroundings over time. This metaphorical language adds depth to the speaker's evolving relationship with the environment.
Irony: The speaker's acknowledgement of himself as a "small man with small dreams" and living a "small life" adds an ironic layer to the poem. The irony lies in the contrast between the mother's dreams for her son and the perceived insignificance of the speaker's existence.
Alliteration: Instances of alliteration, where consecutive words begin with the same consonant sound, can be found in phrases like "painfully shy son" and "dreamy-eyed lad." This device contributes to the rhythm and musicality of the poem.
Enjambment: Enjambment is used throughout the poem, allowing lines to flow seamlessly into each other without a pause. This technique creates a natural and uninterrupted rhythm, enhancing the emotional flow of the speaker's reflections.
Repetition: The repetition of certain phrases, such as "small man with small dreams" and "small life", emphasizes key themes and contributes to the poem's overall structure. Repetition serves to underscore the significance of these phrases in the speaker's self-reflection.
Symbolism: The hills in the poem can be interpreted as a symbol of growth, change, and the evolving relationship between the speaker and his surroundings. Symbols like the loss of teeth and the mother's burdened return from the bazaar also carry deeper meanings related to the speaker's past and the mother's sacrifices.
Personification: The mother's lips are described as being unable to "burgeon in a smile." This personification gives human characteristics to the mother's lips, conveying a sense of her emotional burden and perhaps the impact of her worries on her outward expression.
Anaphora: The repetition of the phrase "I am" in the seventh stanza, as in "I am also your dreamy-eyed lad" and "I am sorry Palem," creates an anaphoric structure. This repetition adds emphasis to the speaker's self-description and apology.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the poem delves into the speaker's conflicted emotions about leaving home, his evolving relationship with his mother, and the disparity between her dreams and his reality. Through vivid imagery, self-reflection, and sincere apologies, the poem explores themes of maternal sacrifice, the smallness of dreams, and the impact of individual choices on familial expectations. The free verse structure and effective use of literary devices enhance the emotional depth of the narrative, creating a poignant exploration of family dynamics and personal identity.
FAQs
Give title justification of the poem 'A Poem for Mother'
The title "A Poem for Mother" serves as a straightforward and sincere indication of the poem's central theme and purpose. It signals that the poem is a dedicated expression of the speaker's thoughts, emotions, and reflections specifically directed towards his mother. By choosing this title, the poet, Robin Singh Ngangom, establishes a clear focus on maternal relationships, familial bonds, and the sentiments associated with the speaker's connection to his mother. The simplicity of the title suggests an intimate and personal exploration of the speaker's feelings, inviting readers to engage with the emotional landscape of the poem.
What is the name of the mother in a poem for mother?
The opening lines of the poem establish a direct connection with the poet's mother, Palem Apokpi, making it evident that the verses are a personal and intimate expression rooted in the poet's real-life relationship with his mother.
