**The Poet Mother is Dead?**

The poem "A Photograph" by Shirley Toulson is a nostalgic reflection on a photograph that captures a special moment in the poet's life. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each exploring different aspects of the photograph and the memories associated with it.

**Stanza 1: The Initial Description**
The poem begins with the poet describing the photograph itself. It is a black and white picture taken when the poet was twelve years old. The picture shows the poet's mother and her two sisters, as well as her mother's cousin, Betty. The poet's mother is seen as a child, capturing a moment from her own childhood. The photograph is described as a "sepia-tinted" image, giving it a nostalgic and aged appearance.

**Stanza 2: The Memories Unfold**
In this stanza, the poet delves into the memories and emotions that the photograph evokes. She expresses how the picture brings back memories of her mother who passed away when the poet was just six years old. The photograph serves as a tangible connection to her mother, allowing her to see and remember her. The poet also mentions her mother's sister, Aunt Bess, who is shown in the picture. The image prompts the poet to recall her mother's playful and carefree nature, contrasting with the somber reality of her untimely death.

**Stanza 3: The Permanence of Memories**
The final stanza reflects on the transient nature of life and the enduring power of memories. The poet acknowledges that the people in the photograph are all long gone, including her mother. However, even in death, the memories captured in the photograph remain alive. The poet contemplates the contrast between the stillness of the photograph and the transient nature of life. She realizes that the photograph is a frozen moment in time, capturing the essence of her mother's childhood and preserving it forever.

**Conclusion**
"A Photograph" is a poignant poem that explores the significance of a single photograph in preserving memories and connecting the past with the present. The poet's reflection on her mother's death and the fleeting nature of life adds a layer of melancholy to the poem. Through vivid imagery and introspective language, Toulson beautifully captures the power of photographs in keeping memories alive.

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