A Photograph - by Shirly Toulson - DETAILED ANALYSIS

ABOUT THE  POET 

Shirley Toulson was a British poet known for her introspective and evocative style. She explored themes of memory, time, and the transient nature of life in her poetry. Her works, including collections like "Concentration" and "Remembering Eden," captured fleeting moments and infused them with nostalgia and melancholy. Toulson's notable poem "A Photograph" exemplifies her ability to evoke profound emotions through the exploration of a single image. Her poetry remains admired for its lyrical beauty and contemplation of the human experience. 

RHYMING AND MOOD OF THE POEM

The poem "A Photograph" by Shirley Toulson does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme. It is written in free verse, which means it lacks a consistent pattern of end rhymes. Instead, Toulson focuses more on the imagery and the flow of ideas within the poem.
Regarding the mood of the poem, it starts off with a sense of nostalgia and reflection as the poet examines the sepia photograph of her mother and her friends. There is a tone of wistfulness and longing as the poet reminisces about the past and the happiness captured in the image. The mention of the waves in the background adds a touch of melancholy, symbolizing the passing of time and the inevitability of change and loss.
As the poem progresses, the mood shifts slightly to sadness and a sense of absence. The realization that the mother in the photograph has passed away brings a tinge of sorrow. The description of the frozen smile and the recognition of the void left by her absence contribute to a sombre atmosphere.
However, despite the underlying sadness, the poem also conveys a sense of acceptance and appreciation for the memories preserved in the photograph. It acknowledges the power of images to keep the past alive and to serve as a connection to loved ones who are no longer present. This recognition brings a bittersweet quality to the poem, blending both sadness and a certain warmth derived from the memories invoked.
In summary, the mood of "A Photograph" encompasses nostalgia, wistfulness, melancholy, sadness, and acceptance. It captures the emotional complexity associated with reminiscing about the past and the loss of loved ones, while also highlighting the importance of preserving memories.

SUMMARY

"A Photograph" by Shirley Toulson is a poignant and reflective poem that explores the theme of memories and the passage of time. The poem revolves around a photograph of the poet's mother, capturing a moment frozen in time. As the poet analyzes the photograph, she delves into the memories associated with it, evoking a sense of nostalgia and loss. The poem begins with the poet describing the photograph as a "sepia print" that brings her mother's childhood days to life. The image captures a joyous moment spent by the seaside, where the mother is seen with her two girlhood friends. The poet points out the innocence and happiness radiating from their faces, highlighting the carefree nature of youth. As the poet reflects on the photograph, she reveals that her mother has passed away, adding a layer of sadness and longing to the poem. She draws attention to the waves in the background of the picture, metaphorically symbolizing the passage of time. The waves are a reminder that life moves on relentlessly, taking away those we love and leaving behind only memories. The poet then zooms in on the individuals in the photograph, describing their appearances and the emotions etched on their faces. She points out her mother's "frozen" smile, suggesting that even though the photograph captures a moment of happiness, it cannot capture the fleeting nature of that happiness. In the final stanza, the poet contemplates the impact of her mother's absence on her own life. She states that her childhood was overshadowed by the loss of her mother and that the photograph serves as a reminder of the void left behind. Despite the melancholic tone, the poet concludes with a sense of acceptance, acknowledging that the photograph acts as a tangible link to the past and a way to keep the memories alive. Overall, "A Photograph" by Shirley Toulson explores themes of time, memory, and loss through a vivid description of a photograph and the emotions it evokes. The poem invites readers to reflect on the transitory nature of life and the power of images to preserve memories.

DETAILED ANALYSIS

Stanza 1:
In this stanza, the poet sets the scene by describing the photograph as a "sepia print" of her mother's childhood. The sepia tone adds a sense of antiquity and nostalgia. The photograph captures a specific moment by the seaside, where the mother is seen with her friends. The mention of the sea and the "wave-drenched slip" evokes a carefree and joyful atmosphere associated with youth and leisure.

Stanza 2:
This stanza focuses on the emotions and expressions captured in the photograph. The poet describes the three girls, including her mother, with radiant smiles and a sense of innocence. The phrase "frocked bodies" suggests their youthfulness, emphasizing the image of carefree childhood. The use of the word "eternal" implies that the photograph has frozen a moment of happiness, preserving it indefinitely.

Stanza 3:
Here, the poet delves deeper into the photograph, drawing attention to the waves in the background. The waves serve as a metaphor for the passage of time, emphasizing its unstoppable and relentless nature. The phrase "silent, flickered notes" suggests the transient and fleeting nature of life's moments, even though they are captured in a photograph. The waves also foreshadow the underlying theme of loss and the impermanence of happiness.

Stanza 4:
In this stanza, the poet zooms in on her mother's expression in the photograph. She notes the frozen smile on her mother's face, emphasizing the contrast between the captured moment of happiness and the reality of her mother's absence. The word "sepia-tinged" further connects the photograph to the past, creating a sense of distance and nostalgia.

Stanza 5:
Here, the poet reflects on the impact of her mother's absence on her own life. She mentions that her childhood was overshadowed by the loss of her mother, suggesting a profound void left behind. The phrase "touched by a frozen rainbow" implies that the poet's own experiences and memories are coloured by the absence and the melancholy associated with it. Stanza 6:
In the final stanza, the poet acknowledges the significance of the photograph as a tangible link to the past. She recognizes its power to keep memories alive, even if they cannot fully capture the essence of the individuals or the transient nature of their happiness. The phrase "deepening like a coastal shelf" implies a growing understanding and appreciation of the photograph's role in preserving memories.

Overall, "A Photograph" explores the themes of time, memory, and loss. The poem moves from a nostalgic and joyous atmosphere in the first stanza to a melancholic and reflective tone as the poet contemplates the impermanence of happiness and the impact of loss. The photograph acts as a powerful symbol, representing the connection to the past and the bittersweet nature of memories.

Shirley Toulson's poem "A Photograph" is a poignant exploration of the fleeting nature of time and the bittersweet memories captured within a photograph. The poem delves into the layers of emotions and nostalgia associated with looking at an old photograph, highlighting the transience of life and the impact of loss.

CONCLUSION

The poem evokes a sense of nostalgia and wistfulness, portraying the carefree joy of youth and the memories associated with the photograph. However, underlying this nostalgia is a recognition of the passage of time and the waves of change that sweep away moments and loved ones. The frozen smile on the mother's face symbolizes the contrast between captured happiness and the reality of loss.

Despite the melancholic tone, the poet finds solace in the photograph, understanding its role in preserving memories and acting as a tangible link to the past. It serves as a reminder of the void left by her mother's absence and the bittersweet nature of reminiscing.

In "A Photograph," Toulson invites readers to reflect on the transitory nature of life, the power of images to preserve memories, and the complex emotions associated with loss. The poem leaves us with a sense of acceptance, appreciating the ability of photographs to keep cherished memories alive, even as we grapple with the inevitability of change and the passing of time.