"A Photograph" is a poem written by Shirley Toulson, and the last stanza holds significant emotional and thematic weight. The poem reflects on the impermanence of life and the poignant memories captured in a photograph of the poet's mother.
In the last stanza, the poet mentions the mother's "countenance" in the photograph. This word refers to her facial expression or demeanor. The significance lies in the contrast between the past and the present. The mother, who was once alive and expressive, is now frozen in a photograph, and her countenance is a reminder of the transient nature of life.
The poet expresses a sense of loss and longing in the last stanza. The mother's smile in the photograph becomes a symbol of the joy and warmth that once existed but is now only preserved in the static image. The fact that the poet cannot bring back that smile in reality adds a layer of melancholy to the poem.
The use of the phrase "not lost, not lost at all" suggests a bittersweet reassurance. While the physical presence of the mother is gone, the memories and emotions associated with her are not entirely lost. They are preserved in the photograph, allowing the poet to revisit and cherish them.
Overall, the last stanza underscores the central theme of the poem, emphasizing the transient nature of life and the powerful impact of memories captured in a photograph. It evokes a deep sense of nostalgia, loss, and the enduring emotional connection between the poet and her mother.
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