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A theme is a big idea that runs through the whole poem. Below are the main themes of this poem.
Theme 1 - A Mother’s Undying Love
Even though the mother has died, her love stays alive and is felt by the child everywhere.
“the tune of some song that she used to hum”
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Theme 2 - Memory Through the Senses
The poet feels his mother through sound, smell and sight - not through a clear picture of her face.
“the smell of the shiuli flowers floats in the air”
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Theme 3 - Loss and Gentle Sadness
There is a soft sadness because the poet cannot remember his mother’s face.
“I cannot remember my mother”
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Theme 4 - The Comfort of Nature
Nature - the flowers, the temple smell, the wide sky - carries the mother’s presence and gives comfort.
“the stillness of my mother’s gaze… has spread all over the sky”
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Theme 5 - A Bond That Lasts Forever
The bond between mother and child never breaks; it lasts even after she is gone.
“my mother’s gaze on my face”
