Two Mothers Remembered
Two Mothers Remembered
– Joann Snow Duncanson
I had two Mothers two Mothers I claim
Two different people, yet with the same name.
Two separate women, diverse by design,
But I loved them both because they were mine.
The first was the Mother who carried me here,
Gave birth and nurtured and launched my career.
She was the one whose features I bear,
Complete with the facial expressions I wear.
She gave me her love, which follows me yet,
Along with the examples in life she set.
As I got older, she somehow younger grew,
And we’d laugh as just Mothers and daughters do.
But then came the time that her mind clouded so,
And I sensed that the Mother I knew would soon go.
So quickly she changed and turned into the other,
A stranger who dressed in the clothes of my Mother.
Oh, she looked the same, at least at arm’s length,
But now she was the child and I was her strength.
We’d come full circle, we women three,
My mother the first, the second and me.
And if my own children should come to a day,
When a new Mother comes and the old goes away,
I’d ask of them nothing that I didn’t do.
Love both of your Mothers as both have loved you.
Word / Phrase | Bangla | Synonyms | Antonyms |
Nurtured (v) | লালনপালন করা | Cared for, raised | Neglected |
Features (n) | মুখাবয়ব বা মুখের বৈশিষ্ট্য | Facial traits, characteristics | — |
Clouded (v) | অস্পষ্ট বা ঝাপসা হয়ে যাওয়া (চিন্তা বা মন) | Blurred, fogged | Cleared |
At arm’s length (phrase) | হাতে ধরার দূরত্ব | Close enough to touch | Far away |
Come full circle (idiom) | একই অবস্থায় ফিরে আসা | Returned to the beginning | Unresolved |
Stranger (n) | অজানা ব্যক্তি | Unknown person | Familiar person |
Strength (n) | শক্তি, ভরসা | Support, power | Weakness |
Loved (v) | ভালোবাসা করেছিল | Cared for, cherished | Hated, ignored |
Theme (মূলভাব) in English:
The poem shows the deep love between a daughter and her mother. It also tells how a daughter takes care of her mother when she grows old and forgetful. The mother becomes like a child, and the daughter becomes her guide. The poem teaches us to love and care for our parents, even when they change with age.
বাংলায় মূলভাব:
এই কবিতাটি একটি মেয়ে ও তার মায়ের গভীর ভালোবাসার কথা বলে। কবিতায় দেখা যায়, যখন মা বুড়ো হয়ে যান এবং সব ভুলে যেতে থাকেন, তখন মেয়ে তাকে আগলে রাখে। মা তখন যেন একটি শিশুর মতো হয়ে যান, আর মেয়ে হয় তার ভরসা। এই কবিতা আমাদের শেখায়—বয়স হলে মা–বাবাকে ভালোবাসা ও যত্ন দেওয়া আমাদের দায়িত্ব।
Summary (সারাংশ) in English:
The poet talks about having “two Mothers”—but both are the same person. The first mother is the one who gave birth, cared for her, and loved her deeply. She was full of joy, laughter, and strength. As time passed, the mother became old and her mind changed. She started forgetting things and became like a child. Now, the daughter took care of her, just like the mother did when the daughter was young. The poet says that this is a circle of life. At the end, she asks her own children to love her in both stages—just like she loved her own mother in both forms.
বাংলায় সারাংশ:
কবিতায় কবি বলেন, তার “দুটি মা” ছিল—কিন্তু তারা একই মানুষ। প্রথম মা তাকে জন্ম দেন, ভালোবাসেন এবং বড় করেন। তারা একসাথে হাসি–আনন্দ ভাগ করে নেন। কিন্তু সময়ের সাথে মা বৃদ্ধ হন, এবং তার মন ধীরে ধীরে দুর্বল হয়ে পড়ে। তখন মা যেন একটি শিশুর মতো হয়ে যান। মেয়ে তখন মায়ের যত্ন নিতে শুরু করে। কবি বলেন, এটা জীবনচক্রের একটি অংশ। শেষে, তিনি তার সন্তানদের বলেন—যেমন তিনি তার মাকে দুই অবস্থায় ভালোবেসেছেন, তেমন তার সন্তানরাও যেন তাকেও ভালোবাসে।
- What is the title of the poem?
- Who wrote the poem?
- How many mothers does the poet claim?
- Why does the poet say she had two mothers?
- What were the two mothers like?
- What did the first mother do?
- What does the poet say about her appearance?
- What did the first mother give her?
- How did their relationship evolve with time?
- What caused the change in her mother?
- What is the title of the poem?The title is Two Mothers Remembered. It reflects the poet’s experience of her mother changing over time.
- Who wrote the poem?The poet is Joann Snow Duncanson. She wrote it as a tribute to her mother’s journey through aging and memory loss.
- How many mothers does the poet claim?The poet claims two mothers. They are two versions of the same person—before and after illness.
- Why does the poet say she had two mothers?Because her mother changed drastically with age and memory loss. She became like a different person.
- What were the two mothers like?They were different people in personality and behavior. Yet both were deeply loved by the poet.
- What did the first mother do?She gave birth, nurtured the poet, and helped start her life. She was a strong role model and teacher.
- What does the poet say about her appearance?She bears her mother’s features and expressions. It shows a deep physical and emotional connection.
- What did the first mother give her?She gave her love and life lessons. Those remained even after her mother changed.
- How did their relationship evolve with time?As the poet grew older, her mother seemed to grow younger. They became close, laughing and enjoying time together.
- What caused the change in her mother?Her mother’s mind became clouded. This suggests memory loss or dementia.
- What did the poet sense about her mother?She sensed that her real mother would soon be gone. It was a painful realization.
- What transformation occurred in the mother?She turned into a different person. Though she looked the same, she acted like a child.
- What did the new mother look like?She looked the same as before, from a distance.But her behavior and mind had changed.
- Who became the strong one in the relationship?The poet did. She became the caregiver and source of strength.
- What is the meaning of “full circle” in the poem?It means roles reversed—child became parent. Life returned to its beginning phase.
- What emotions does the poet express?Love, sadness, and acceptance. She mourns the loss while cherishing the bond.
- What is the tone of the poem?Tender, reflective, and bittersweet. It’s filled with love and quiet sorrow.
- Why does the poet say her mother became a child?Because she lost her memory and independence. She relied on the poet for support.
- What remains even after the mother changes?Her love and the example she set. These are lasting gifts.
- What is the central theme of the poem?The enduring love between mother and daughter. It explores how relationships evolve with age and illness.
- What disease is implied in the poem?Dementia or Alzheimer’s is suggested. The mother’s mind becomes clouded and childlike.
- What does the poem say about aging?That it can bring unexpected and painful changes. But love can endure through them.
- How does the poet show acceptance?By still loving both versions of her mother. She finds meaning in both experiences.
- Why is the same name mentioned?Both mothers share the same name and identity. But they are emotionally different.
- What role does memory play in the poem?Memory connects the two versions of the mother. Its loss is what divides them.
- What kind of relationship did they share before the change?They were like friends, laughing together. It was a joyful and close bond.
- How did the poet feel as her mother changed?She felt sad and helpless. But she remained devoted.
- Why is clothing mentioned in the poem?To show that the outside remained the same. But the person inside had changed.
- What does “she looked the same at arm’s length” mean?From the outside, nothing seemed wrong. But closer up, the change was obvious.
- What literary device is used in “full circle”?It symbolizes the reversal of roles.
- What is meant by “I was her strength”?The poet became the caregiver. She supported her mother emotionally and physically.
- What does the poet miss most about her old mother?Her companionship and personality. The familiar bond is deeply missed.
- What is symbolized by the two mothers?The contrast between youth and aging. It reflects the dual nature of long-term caregiving.
- What happens to identity in the poem?It shifts as memory fades. The mother becomes someone new.
- Why is the poem deeply emotional?Because it deals with loss and unconditional love. It captures the pain of watching a loved one change.
- What lesson can readers take from the poem?That love adapts even when people change. Compassion is key in caregiving.
- What do the “features” the poet bears represent?A deep bond with her mother. They are both physical and emotional.
- How does the poet honor her mother?By remembering and loving both versions. She accepts the full journey.
- What does “diverse by design” suggest?That the two mothers were different by nature. It emphasizes the change in personality.
- How did the poet’s career begin?Her first mother helped launch it. She provided guidance and support.
- What kind of examples did the mother set?Positive life lessons. They remained even after her mental decline.
- Why is laughter mentioned in the poem?To show the joy of their past bond. It makes the later loss more poignant.
- What does “so quickly she changed” suggest?The decline was rapid. The poet was caught off guard.
- How does the poem use repetition?In the line “I had two Mothers.” It emphasizes the emotional shift.
- What does the poem say about caregiving?It’s a reversal of roles. Children often become caregivers in old age.
- Why is the poem significant for adult children?It reflects their experience with aging parents. They often feel this emotional journey.
- What is the poem’s structure?It is free verse. There is no strict rhyme, but deep rhythm and flow.
- How do readers relate to the poem?Through shared experiences of love and loss. It is universal in emotion.
- What does the poem teach about identity?That identity can change over time. But love remains a constant.
- Why is the poem titled “Two Mothers Remembered”?Because it honors both versions of her mother. The title reflects memory, change, and love.
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