An Old Woman

An old woman grabs
hold of your sleeve
and tags along.

She wants a fifty paise coin.
She says she will take you
to the horseshoe shrine.

You've seen it already.
She hobbles along anyway
and tightens her grip on your shirt.

She won't let you go.
You know how old women are.
They stick to you like a burr.

You turn around and face her
with an air of finality.
You want to end the farce.

When you hear her say,
‘What else can an old woman do
on hills as wretched as these?'

You look right at the sky.
Clear through the bullet holes
she has for her eyes.

And as you look on
the cracks that begin around her eyes
spread beyond her skin.

And the hills crack.
And the temples crack.
And the sky falls

with a plateglass clatter
around the shatter proof crone
who stands alone.

And you are reduced
to so much small change
in her hand.

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Hnnhbiie30's picture

"An Old Woman" by Arun Kolatkar - A Poignant Reflection on Aging and Humanity

"An Old Woman" by Arun Kolatkar is a profound and poignant exploration of the complexities of aging and the enduring resilience of the human spirit. Through vivid imagery and stark language, Kolatkar captures the raw emotions and struggles of an elderly woman as she navigates the challenges of life.

In the poem, the speaker encounters an old woman who clings to their sleeve and implores them for a small coin. Despite the speaker's reluctance and attempts to shake her off, the old woman persists, insisting on taking them to the horseshoe shrine. Through this encounter, Kolatkar masterfully portrays the vulnerability and tenacity of old age, as well as the inherent humanity that binds us all together.

As the poem unfolds, the speaker's initial frustration and impatience give way to a deeper understanding and empathy for the old woman's plight. Kolatkar skillfully juxtaposes the physical decay of the old woman with the metaphorical crumbling of the surrounding landscape, symbolizing the passage of time and the inevitability of change.

The poem's poignant climax comes when the speaker gazes into the old woman's eyes and sees beyond her frail exterior to the strength and resilience within. Through this powerful moment of connection, Kolatkar reminds readers of the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of age or circumstance.

"An Old Woman" is a timeless and universal poem that speaks to the universal experiences of aging, loss, and resilience. Kolatkar's masterful use of language and imagery invites readers to reflect on their relationships with aging and mortality, prompting them to consider the profound humanity that binds us all together.

In conclusion, "An Old Woman" by Arun Kolatkar is a deeply moving and thought-provoking poem that offers a profound meditation on the human condition. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, Kolatkar captures the struggles and resilience of old age, inviting readers to contemplate the beauty and fragility of life. This timeless poem is sure to resonate with readers of all ages, leaving a lasting impression long after the final lines have been read.

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