Overview
This poem "The Photograph" is based on memories of the mother and the transience of time, showing emotions and the importance of special moments through an old photograph.
Story of the Poem
- The poem has an old photo in which the poet's mother is paddling in the sea with her two cousins.
- At that time, the poet's mother was 12 years old, and the poet was not yet born.
- The sea in the photo is still the same, but the life of the mother and those with her has changed.
- Human life is described as 'transient feet,' meaning human life is short-lived, while nature remains permanent.
- The footprints at the time the photo was taken have now been lost among thousands of other footprints.
- Years later, the poet's mother used to laugh looking at this photo and remember old moments.
- The mother remembers her childhood Sea Holidays; that time has now passed for her.
- For the poet, even his mother's laughter is now a past that has gone by.
- The mother has passed away, and the poet misses her very much when looking at her laughter and the photograph.
- At the end of the poem, the poet becomes emotional and remains silent because there is nothing left to say.
Lessons/Important Points from the Poem
- With time, people and circumstances change, but memories and photographs remain permanent.
- Human life is momentary, while nature remains unchanged.
- Old memories give emotional depth to life.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Paddling тАФ Moving slowly in the sea or water.
- Transient feet тАФ The transience of life, meaning the momentary nature of human life.
- Cardboard photograph тАФ An old photograph mounted on paper or cardboard that preserves memories.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read the lines of the poem and identify the main emotions.
- Write a paragraph reflecting on the importance of old photographs and memories.
- Recall the main themes of "The Photograph" for the next lesson.