In Toulson's poem "The Photograph", Touslon describes the emotions felt as remembering the story behind the image and what it means to the poet now. Therefore, the title of the poem creates a double meaning for both the poet and the poet's mother. For one it is sadness and the other is happiness.

The poem "A Photograph" by Shirley Toulson is a nostalgic reminiscence of the poet's mother and her early days at the beach. It captures the fleeting moments of happiness and the bittersweet memories associated with them. The photograph acts as a time capsule, preserving the past and reminding us of the transience of life.


The poem is a reflection on the power of photographs to capture moments in time and preserve them forever. It begins with the poet describing the photograph of her mother as a child, standing on a beach with her two cousins. The photograph is frozen in time, capturing the moment of happiness that the three children experienced.

The poet then goes on to describe the photograph in detail, highlighting each aspect of the image. She notices the clothes they were wearing, the expressions on their faces, and the background scenery. Through her observations, the poet is able to recreate the moment captured in the photograph and bring it to life.

However, the poet's reflection on the photograph is not purely joyful. As she remembers her mother's life and the passage of time, she realizes that the three children in the photograph are now all dead. The photograph, once a symbol of happiness and innocence, now holds a deeper significance as a reminder of the impermanence of life.


The poem explores several themes, including:

• Nostalgia and memory


• The power of photographs to preserve moments in time


• The transience of life


• The passage of time and its effect on people and memories

In conclusion, "A Photograph" by Shirley Toulson is a poignant reflection on the power of photographs to capture moments in time and preserve them forever. It is a reminder of the bittersweet nature of memories and the transience of life. The poem is a beautiful tribute to the poet's mother and her early days at the beach, and it captures the essence of nostalgia and memory in a simple yet profound way.