**A Photography Poem - NCERT Solutions: Ch-1- The Portrait of Lady, Hornbill English, Class 11**

*Introduction:*
In the poem "A Photography Poem" by Shirley Toulson, the speaker reflects upon a photograph taken by her mother, capturing a happy moment from her childhood. The poem explores the power of photography to preserve memories and the bittersweet nostalgia that accompanies the passage of time.

**The Power of Photography:**
The poem begins by acknowledging the significance of photography in freezing a moment in time. The speaker describes the photograph as a "still moment in a valued time" which signifies the essence of photography as a medium to capture and preserve memories. The photograph serves as a portal to the past, allowing the speaker to revisit and relive that moment whenever they look at it.

**The Nostalgia and Bittersweet Memories:**
As the speaker reflects upon the photograph, they are filled with nostalgia and a sense of longing for the past. The image evokes a range of emotions, from happiness and joy to a tinge of sadness. The poem suggests that the passage of time has altered the circumstances and relationships depicted in the photograph, leading to a sense of loss and yearning.

**The Mother's Role and Love:**
The poem highlights the role of the speaker's mother in capturing this cherished memory. The photograph becomes a testament to the mother's love and her desire to preserve moments of happiness for her child. The speaker acknowledges the mother's skill in capturing the essence of the moment, stating that it was "well-composed" and "focused".

**The Transience of Life:**
Through the photograph, the poem explores the transient nature of life. The individuals captured in the image have aged and changed over time, and the speaker acknowledges that the moment captured in the photograph can never be replicated. This realization adds to the bittersweet quality of the poem, emphasizing the fleeting nature of happiness and the inevitability of change.

**Conclusion:**
"A Photography Poem" by Shirley Toulson beautifully captures the power of photography to freeze a moment in time and evoke a range of emotions. Through the lens of nostalgia and bittersweet memories, the poem explores the transient nature of life and the profound impact of photographs in preserving cherished memories. It serves as a reminder to treasure and appreciate the moments captured in photographs, as they provide a glimpse into our past and serve as a connection to our memories and loved ones.