Driving from my parent’s: The poet begins the poem by setting the scene – she is on a journey from her parent’s home.

home to Cochin last Friday: The specific details of the journey are given, indicating that this is a recent event.

morning, I saw my mother,: The poet’s attention shifts to her mother, who is present beside her during the car ride.

beside me, doze, open mouthed,: The mother is described as dozing with an open mouth, suggesting vulnerability and weariness.

her face ashen like that of a corpse: The simile compares the mother’s face to that of a corpse, emphasizing its pallor and lifelessness.

and realised with pain that she was as old as she looked: The poet experiences a painful realization that her mother’s appearance reflects her true age, marking the impact of aging.

but soon put that thought away,: Despite the realization, the poet consciously chooses to push aside the distressing thought.

and looked out at Young Trees sprinting,: To distract herself, the poet shifts focus to the vibrant imagery outside – young trees sprinting, symbolizing vitality and life.

the merry children spilling out of their homes,: More lively scenes are observed, with cheerful children spilling out of their homes, adding to the atmosphere of vitality.

but after the airport’s security check,: The shift in the poem indicates a change in setting, specifically at the airport after a security check.

standing a few yards away,: The poet now stands a few yards away, providing a different perspective on her mother.

I looked again at her, wan, pale as a late winter’s moon: The poet revisits her mother’s appearance, describing her as wan and pale, resembling a late winter’s moon – reinforcing the image of frailty and aging.

and felt that old familiar ache, my childhood’s fear,: The poet experiences a familiar emotional ache, rooted in the fear of losing her mother that she carried since childhood.

but all I said was, see you soon, Amma,: Despite the emotional turmoil, the poet chooses to express reassurance, bidding farewell with a simple “see you soon, Amma.”

all I did was smile and smile and smile …: The poem concludes with the poet masking her inner emotions with repeated smiles, concealing the depth of her feelings behind a cheerful facade.