Why are the youngsters described as springing? The youngsters in the poem, ‘My Mother at Sixty-six’ are described as springing because they are symbolic of youth, liveliness and joy. In contrast to the poet’s frail and aging mother the children appear to be young and spirited. Related posts: How does Kamala Das try to put away the thoughts of her ageing mother? What were Kamala Das’ fears as a child? Why do they surface when she is going to the airport? How did Douglas’ experience at the beach in California affect him? Why did Gandhi tell the court that he was involved in a ‘conflict of duties’?