Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Mom as Comet" by Sharon Olds captures a moment of interaction between the speaker and her elderly mother, blending humor with deeper reflections on mortality and the unpredictable nature of life. The poem uses the metaphor of a comet, specifically referencing the Hale-Bopp comet, to explore themes of control, fear, and the inevitable approach of death. Through a mix of dialogue and vivid imagery, Olds presents a nuanced portrayal of her mother's character and the underlying anxieties that come with aging.

The poem opens with the mother's concern about the unpredictability of a comet's path, questioning how scientists can be certain it won't suddenly change direction and head towards Earth. Her tone is incredulous and slightly mocking, as she dismisses the experts' confidence, hinting at a distrust of those who claim to understand the universe's complexities. The mother's remark, "They think they're soooo clever," conveys her skepticism towards the scientific community's reassurances. She expresses a sense of foreboding about the unknown forces that govern the cosmos, which she refers to as "a nameless force" rather than attributing it to a specific entity or deity. This notion of an uncontrollable force reflects a broader existential anxiety about the randomness and uncontrollability of life.

The speaker responds with a mix of acknowledgment and curiosity, subtly probing her mother's belief in some orchestrating power. The mother's response is sharp and definitive, insisting that it's not a person but an abstract, inhuman force. The speaker then reflects on her mother's unique expressions, both physical and verbal, which she uses to communicate her ideas. The description of the mother as "transmogrified her face" into a comedic portrayal of the Hale-Bopp comet illustrates her playful and dramatic nature. This transformation, accompanied by exaggerated gestures and expressions, paints a vivid picture of a woman who uses humor and performance to convey deeper fears and truths.

Olds captures a moment of performative exaggeration, as the mother mimics the comet's erratic movement. Her actions are described as resembling "a comic actor doing a drunk" or "a tough kid on a corner, amusing the others," highlighting her ability to entertain and engage through physical comedy. This performance is not just for amusement; it is a poignant enactment of her fears and experiences. The mother embodies various figures from her past—her own wild mother, her father who died accidentally, her first husband who was abusive, and her second husband who succumbed to death—each representing a different encounter with life's unpredictability and mortality.

The poem concludes with the mother's portrayal of her own death, depicted as an unpredictable and uncontrollable force "hurtling toward her." The imagery of death as having "a maw pulling from side to side, its eyes unfocused" underscores the randomness and inevitability of life's end. Despite the gravity of these themes, the mother's mimicry is described as being full of "reckless energy," aiming to "astound and delight" the speaker. This final image captures the mother's resilience and her ability to face existential fears with a blend of humor, defiance, and performative flair.

"Mom as Comet" is a richly layered poem that explores the complexities of aging, the unpredictability of life, and the coping mechanisms we use to deal with existential fears. Sharon Olds skillfully balances humor and seriousness, portraying her mother as a vibrant, witty, and complex character who confronts the unknown with a mix of skepticism, humor, and bravado. The poem invites readers to reflect on the nature of control, the inevitability of death, and the ways in which we make sense of the unpredictable forces that shape our lives.

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