TWO MOTHERS REMEMBERED
by Joann Snow Duncanson
Background of the Poem
The poem "Two Mothers Remembered" is about a daughter's experience of seeing her mother change because of old age and
memory loss. The poet, Joann Snow Duncanson, wrote the poem to express the feelings many people experience when a parent grows
old and develops conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia. The title Two Mothers Remembered does not mean that the speaker literally had two mothers. The poem describes a
daughter's experience of watching her mother change because of old age and memory
loss. Instead, she feels that she knew two versions of the same mother:
Poem: TWO MOTHERS REMEMBERED
by 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 her love, which follows me yet,
along with examples in life that 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 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.
Paraphrase the poem
Stanza 1:
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.
Paraphrasing:
I had two mothers, even though they shared the same name. They were two different
people, but I loved them both equally because they were mine.
Stanza 2:
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.
Paraphrasing:
My first mother was the one who gave birth to me, raised me, and helped me start
my life and career. I look like her and even make the same facial expressions she does.
Stanza 3:
She gave her love, which follows me yet,
along with examples in life that she set.
As I got older, she somehow younger grew,
and we'd laugh as just mothers and daughters do.
Paraphrasing:
Her love still stays with me, and I follow the example she set for me. As I grew up,
she seemed to grow younger in spirit, and we enjoyed laughing and spending time
together like close mother and daughter friends
Stanza 4:
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 dressed in the clothes of my mother.
Paraphrasing:
But later, her mind began to fail, and I realized I was losing the mother I had
always known. She changed quickly and became like a stranger wearing my
mother’s clothes.
Stanza 5:
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.
Paraphrasing:
She still looked the same from a distance, but now she acted like a child, and I
had to be the strong one for her. It felt like life had come full circle—now there
were three of us women: my original mother, the changed version of her, and me.
Stanza 6:
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.
Paraphrasing:
If my own children ever face the same situation, when an older mother fades
away and a new, childlike version takes her place, I hope they treat both
versions with the same love and care that I gave. I wouldn’t ask them to do
anything I didn’t do myself.
Themes
Main Theme
A daughter's unconditional love for her mother despite the changes caused by old age and memory loss.
Sub-Themes
1.The cycle of life – Children eventually become caregivers for their
aging parents.
2. Aging and memory loss – Illness can change a person's personality
and behavior.
3.Family bonds – The strong connection between a mother and
daughter endures through difficult times.
4. Duty and sacrifice – Caring for elderly parents is an act of love and
responsibility.
5. Compassion and acceptance – We should love people even when
illness changes them.
Summary
The poem "Two Mothers Remembered" by Joann Snow Duncanson tells the story of a daughter who feels she had "two mothers." The first mother was the loving woman who gave birth to her, raised her and guided her through life. As the mother grew older, her mind became affected by illness, and she seemed like a different person. Although she looked the same, she no longer behaved like the mother the daughter had known. The daughter lovingly cared for her, reversing their roles as the mother became dependent on her. In the end, the speaker hopes that her own children will show the same love and understanding if they ever face a similar situation with her.
Central Idea
The poem's central idea in "Two Mothers Remembered" by Joann SnowDuncanson is that true love for a parent continues even when age, illness,
or memory loss changes who they seem to be. Family members should treat
aging parents with patience, kindness, and respect, just as those parents once
cared for them.
