A Photograph /English Poem - BY SHIRLEY TOULSON / CBSE, CLASS 11

 

 

A Photograph

The cardboard shows me how it was

When the two girl cousins went paddling

Each one holding one of my mother’s hands,

And she the big girl - some twelve years or so.

All three stood still to smile through their hair

At the uncle with the camera, A sweet face

My mother’s, that was before I was born

And the sea, which appears to have changed less

Washed their terribly transient feet.

 

Some twenty- thirty- years later

She’d laugh at the snapshot. “See Betty

And Dolly," she’d say, “and look how they

Dressed us for the beach." The sea holiday

was her past, mine is her laughter. Both wry

With the laboured ease of loss

 

Now she’s has been dead nearly as many years

As that girl lived. And of this circumstance

There is nothing to say at all,

Its silence silences.

 

BY SHIRLEY TOULSON

Q1: Write the substance of the poem "A photograph" By Shirley Toulson.

Ans: The poem "A Photograph" by Shirley Toulson is about a black and white photograph that captures a moment from the poet's mother's childhood. The photograph shows the poet's mother with her two girl cousins, who are holding her hands while they stand still in the sea. The poet's mother is a young girl of about twelve years, and the sea appears to be the same as it is now. The poet reflects on the photograph's significance, as it captures a fleeting moment in time.

The poet then reflects on how her mother viewed the photograph twenty to thirty years later, laughing at the outfits she and her cousins were wearing. The sea holiday was a happy memory for her mother, and the poet's memory of her mother's laughter is now her own cherished memory. Both mother and daughter share the bittersweet feeling of loss that comes with time passing.

The poem ends with the poet acknowledging that her mother has now been dead for nearly as many years as she had lived. The silence that surrounds this fact is profound and absolute, leaving the poet with nothing to say. The photograph and the memories it evokes are all that remain of her mother, a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of treasuring every moment.

 

Contextual word meanings of the first stanza.

 

Cardboard: The material on which the photograph is printed.

Paddling: The act of walking or playing in shallow water.

Cousins: The daughters of the poet's mother's siblings.

Big girl: The poet's mother, who is a few years older than her cousins.

Twelve years or so: The approximate age of the poet's mother in the photograph.

Stood still: The three girls are not moving and are posing for the camera.

Smile through their hair: The girls are smiling, and their hair is blowing in the wind.

Uncle with the camera: The person taking the photograph.

Sweet face: The poet's mother has a pleasant and endearing expression.

Before I was born: The photograph was taken before the poet was born.

Sea: The body of water in which the girls are standing.

Terribly transient feet: The girls' feet are temporarily in the sea and will soon be dry again.

 

Summary of the first stanza.

The first stanza of the poem "A Photograph" by Shirley Toulson is a description of a black and white photograph from the poet's mother's childhood. The photograph shows the poet's mother and her two girl cousins standing in shallow water, with each cousin holding one of her mother's hands. The poet's mother is the "big girl" and appears to be around twelve years old. They are smiling and looking at the camera held by the uncle. The poet's mother has a sweet expression, and the sea appears to be the same as it is now. The phrase "terribly transient feet" indicates that this moment was fleeting and temporary. The stanza conveys a sense of nostalgia and the fleeting nature of life.

 

Contextual word meanings of the second stanza.

Laugh at the snapshot: The poet's mother laughs when looking at the photograph.

Betty and Dolly: The names of the poet's mother's cousins.

Dressed us for the beach: The clothing the girls are wearing in the photograph was chosen specifically for their trip to the beach.

Sea holiday: The trip to the beach.

Her past: The happy memories of the sea holiday.

Mine is her laughter: The poet cherishes the memory of her mother's laughter.

Both wry with the laboured ease of loss: Both the poet's mother and the poet feel a sense of sadness and acceptance of the passage of time and loss.

 

The second stanza contrasts the joyous and carefree moment captured in the photograph with the more complicated feelings that the image evokes later in life. The poet's mother laughs at the snapshot and recalls the happy memories of her past. The poet, in turn, treasures her memory of her mother's laughter but also feels a sense of wry acceptance of the losses that come with time passing. The stanza conveys the idea that memories are not always straightforward, and emotions can be complex and nuanced.

 

Summary of the second stanza

The second stanza of the poem "A Photograph" by Shirley Toulson reflects on the photograph and how the poet's mother viewed it years later. The poet's mother laughs when looking at the snapshot and recalls happy memories of the sea holiday with her cousins. The poet treasures her memory of her mother's laughter but also feels a sense of sadness and acceptance of the losses that come with time passing. The stanza conveys the idea that memories are complex, and emotions can be nuanced.

 

Contextual word meanings of the third stanza.

Dead: The state of no longer being alive.

Nearly as many years: The amount of time that has passed since the poet's mother died is almost as long as the time she lived after the photograph was taken.

Circumstance: The fact of the poet's mother's death and the passage of time.

Nothing to say at all: There are no words to describe the feelings of loss and grief that come with the death of a loved one.

Its silence silences: The grief and sadness associated with the death of the poet's mother are so profound that they cannot be expressed in words.

 

The third stanza reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of death. The poet notes that her mother has been dead for almost as long as she lived after the photograph was taken. There are no words to describe the grief and loss associated with the death of a loved one, and the silence of this grief is itself overpowering. The stanza conveys a sense of finality and acceptance of the inevitability of death.

 

Summary of the third stanza

The third stanza of the poem "A Photograph" by Shirley Toulson reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of death. The poet notes that her mother has been dead for almost as long as she lived after the photograph was taken, and there are no words to describe the grief and loss associated with the death of a loved one. The stanza conveys a sense of finality and acceptance of the inevitability of death.

 

Q: Who is the speaker in the poem?

A: The speaker in the poem is not identified.

 

Q: What is the photograph that the poem is about?

A: The photograph in the poem is a snapshot of the poet's mother and her two cousins.

 

Q: What does the speaker mean when she says "the cardboard shows me how it was"?

A: The speaker means that the photograph, which is mounted on cardboard, provides a visual representation of the past and allows her to see what things were like back then.

 

Q: What is the significance of the "sepia" tone in the photograph?

A: The sepia tone gives the photograph a nostalgic, old-fashioned feel, which reinforces the idea that the people in the picture are from a different time and place.

 

Q: Why does the speaker say that the photograph "isn't the subject"?

A: The speaker is suggesting that the photograph itself is not the main focus of the poem; rather, it is the memories and emotions that the photograph evokes that are the true subject.

 

Q: What is the meaning of the final line, "the past is a foreign country"?

A: The line means that the past is a place that is different and distant from the present, and that we can never truly return to it. The speaker is reflecting on how looking at the old photograph makes her feel like she is visiting a foreign country or a place that is no longer familiar.

 

Q: Who are the three people in the photograph?

A: The photograph shows the poet's mother, and her two cousins.

 

Q: What is the "frail metal" mentioned in the poem?

A: The "frail metal" refers to the thin frame that surrounds the photograph.

 

Q: What does the speaker mean by "the silence of her dress"?

A: The speaker is referring to the fact that the dress worn by the poet's mother in the photograph does not make any noise, as it would if the speaker were actually in the presence of the mother.

 

 

Q: Why does the speaker say that the photograph "fascinates" her?

A: The speaker is fascinated by the photograph because it allows her to see a snapshot of the past and imagine what it was like to be there.

 

Q: What does the speaker mean when she says that the photograph "fills the gap of which we know nothing"?

A: The speaker means that the photograph helps to fill in the missing pieces of the past that we are not able to remember or know about. It provides a glimpse into a world that no longer exists.

 

Q: What is the significance of the "white wings" mentioned in the poem?

A: The "white wings" refer to the white collars on the dresses of the three people in the photograph. They are symbolic of the innocence and purity of youth, and the fact that they are wearing them suggests that they are still young and uncorrupted.

 

Q: What is the setting of the photograph?

A: The setting of the photograph is not described in the poem.

 

Q: What does the phrase "the image of departure" mean?

A: The phrase "the image of departure" suggests that the people in the photograph are no longer present, and that looking at the photograph is a way of saying goodbye to them.

 

Q: What does the speaker mean when she says that the photograph "tells me nothing"?

A: The speaker means that the photograph does not provide any context or information about the people or the setting. It is just a snapshot of a moment in time.

 

Q: What is the significance of the fact that the photograph is "black and white"?

A: The black and white photograph reinforces the idea that the people in the photograph are from a different time and place. It also gives the photograph a sense of timelessness and universality.

 

Q: Why does the speaker say that the photograph is "touching"?

A: The speaker is moved by the photograph because it captures a moment in time that can never be recaptured. It is a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of treasuring memories.

 

Q: What is the meaning of the phrase "the small round coins"?

A: The "small round coins" refer to the buttons on the dress of the poet's mother in the photograph. They are symbolic of the small, everyday details that make up our lives and memories.

 

Q: What does the speaker mean when she says that the photograph "speaks to me beyond my gaze"?

A: The speaker means that the photograph evokes memories and emotions that go beyond what she is seeing in the image. It speaks to her on a deeper level and connects her to the past in a powerful way.

 

Q: What is the tone of the poem?

A: The tone of the poem is nostalgic and wistful. The speaker is reflecting on the past and the fleeting nature of life, and the overall mood is one of sadness mixed with a sense of wonder.

 

Q: What is the meaning of the phrase "the time of tea"?

A: The "time of tea" is a reference to a specific time of day when tea is traditionally served. It is also a nod to the English custom of taking tea and how it is associated with socializing and leisurely activities.

 

Q: What is the significance of the fact that the photograph is "touched by sunlight"?

A: The sunlight adds warmth and depth to the photograph, and suggests that the people in the image are living and vibrant, rather than frozen in time. It also creates a sense of nostalgia and longing for a time that has passed.

 

Q: Why does the speaker say that the photograph is a "paperweight"?

A: The speaker is comparing the photograph to a paperweight because it holds down the memories of the past and keeps them from floating away. It is a physical reminder of the people and the time that it represents.

 

Q: What is the meaning of the phrase "the long hair of the youngest"?

A: The "long hair of the youngest" refers to the hair of one of the cousins in the photograph. It is symbolic of youth and innocence, and serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of childhood.

 

Q: What is the mood of the final stanza of the poem?

A: The mood of the final stanza is melancholic, as the speaker reflects on the passage of time and the inevitability of death.

 

Q: What does the speaker mean when she says that the photograph is "silent"?

A: The speaker means that the photograph does not speak or make any noise, but instead captures a moment in time that is frozen and still.

 

Q: What is the significance of the fact that the photograph is "sepia-toned"?

A: The sepia tone gives the photograph an antique look, and reinforces the idea that the people in the photograph are from a different time and place. It also adds to the overall nostalgic and sentimental tone of the poem.

 

Q: What does the phrase "half-closed eyes" suggest about the people in the photograph?

A: The phrase "half-closed eyes" suggests that the people in the photograph are lost in thought or daydreaming. It also adds to the sense that they are frozen in time, as if caught in a moment of contemplation.

 

Q: Why does the speaker say that the photograph "has been waiting"?

A: The speaker is suggesting that the photograph has been waiting to be rediscovered and appreciated. It has been waiting for someone to look at it and remember the people and the time that it represents.

 

Q: What is the meaning of the phrase "the treble and bass"?

A: The "treble and bass" refer to the different tones and notes of music. The phrase is used in the poem to suggest the different moods and emotions that the photograph evokes.

 

Q: How does the photograph in the poem represent the theme of mortality?

A: The photograph in the poem represents the theme of mortality in a few ways. Firstly, it captures a moment in time from the past, reminding the speaker and the reader of the passage of time and the inevitability of aging and death. Secondly, the people in the photograph are frozen in time, forever young and alive in the image, yet the speaker knows that they have all grown old and passed away. Finally, the sepia tone of the photograph suggests an antique quality, reinforcing the idea that the past is gone and cannot be reclaimed. All of these elements combine to create a sense of nostalgia and longing for a time that has passed, and remind the reader of the transience of life.

 

Q: How does the poem "A Photograph" explore the theme of memory?

A: The poem "A Photograph" explores the theme of memory in a few ways. Firstly, the photograph serves as a physical reminder of the past and the people who were a part of it. The speaker is able to look at the photograph and remember the moments that it captures, evoking strong emotions and memories. Secondly, the speaker reflects on the nature of memory itself, noting how memories can be distorted or fade over time. The photograph serves as a way to anchor the memories and keep them from slipping away completely. Finally, the poem suggests that memory is a way to keep the past alive, even as time continues to march forward. The photograph serves as a way to hold onto the past and keep it present in the speaker's mind.

 

Q: How does the use of imagery and sensory language contribute to the mood of the poem?

A: The use of imagery and sensory language in "A Photograph" contributes to the overall nostalgic and sentimental mood of the poem. For example, the description of the "sepia-toned" photograph creates an antique quality and adds to the sense of longing for a time that has passed. The use of sensory details, such as the "smell of cow parsley" and the "long hair of the youngest," evoke strong emotions and memories for the speaker and the reader. The description of the photograph as a "paperweight" reinforces the idea that memories can be held onto and kept from fading away. All of these elements combine to create a mood that is wistful and melancholic, yet also filled with a sense of wonder and awe.

Q: How does the poem "A Photograph" explore the theme of family and relationships?

A: The poem "A Photograph" explores the theme of family and relationships in a few ways. Firstly, the photograph captures a moment in time when the speaker's mother and her friends were young and carefree. This serves as a reminder of the bonds of friendship that exist between people, and how these relationships can be a source of comfort and support throughout life. Secondly, the description of the people in the photograph, with their "half-closed eyes" and "smiles for the camera," suggests a sense of intimacy and closeness. The speaker notes that the photograph captures a moment of "laughter and carefree fun," further emphasizing the positive aspects of relationships. Finally, the poem explores the idea of memory and how it can preserve the connections between people even after they have passed away. The photograph serves as a way to keep the memories of these relationships alive, and to continue to feel connected to the people in the image.

 

Q: What is the significance of the title of the poem, "A Photograph"?

A: The title of the poem, "A Photograph," is significant because it serves as a reminder that the poem is about more than just a single image. The photograph in the poem is a physical object, but it also represents a moment in time, a group of people, and a range of emotions and memories. By calling attention to the fact that the poem is about a photograph, the title emphasizes the role of memory and nostalgia in the poem, as well as the idea that memories can be preserved and passed down through physical objects like photographs.

 

Q: How does the poem use figurative language to convey its themes and ideas?

A: The poem "A Photograph" uses a range of figurative language to convey its themes and ideas. For example, the photograph is described as a "paperweight" and a "silent" witness to the past. These metaphors suggest that the photograph is more than just a physical object, but also a symbolic representation of memory and the passage of time. The description of the photograph as "speaking" to the speaker also uses personification to convey the idea that memories can be alive and present, even in inanimate objects. Finally, the use of sensory language, such as the "smell of cow parsley" and the "softness" of the faces in the photograph, serves to create a vivid and emotional picture of the past, allowing the reader to feel connected to the people and the memories in the poem.

 

Q: What is the significance of the line "The cardboard shows me how it was" in the poem "A Photograph"?

A: The line "The cardboard shows me how it was" in the poem "A Photograph" is significant because it emphasizes the role of physical objects in preserving memories. The speaker is looking at a photograph that is mounted on cardboard, and this physical object serves as a tangible connection to the past. The use of the word "shows" suggests that the photograph is more than just an image, but also a way to access the past and understand how things were. This emphasizes the idea that memories can be preserved and passed down through physical objects like photographs.

 

Q: How does the poem explore the idea of the passage of time?

A: The poem "A Photograph" explores the idea of the passage of time in a few ways. Firstly, the poem is set in the present, but the photograph that the speaker is looking at is from the past. This contrast between the past and the present emphasizes the idea that time has passed and things have changed. Secondly, the description of the people in the photograph, with their "half-closed eyes" and "smiles for the camera," suggests that they were once young and carefree, but time has passed and they are no longer the same. Finally, the poem emphasizes the idea that memories can be preserved and passed down through physical objects like photographs, suggesting that even though time passes, memories can remain and be cherished.

 

Q: How does the poem use imagery to convey its themes and ideas?

A: The poem "A Photograph" uses a range of imagery to convey its themes and ideas. For example, the description of the "dusty" photograph and the "smell of cow parsley" creates a vivid picture of the physical setting of the poem. This helps to establish a sense of nostalgia and the passage of time. The description of the people in the photograph, with their "half-closed eyes" and "smiles for the camera," creates an image of intimacy and closeness, emphasizing the positive aspects of relationships. Finally, the use of the metaphor of the photograph as a "silent" witness to the past and the description of the people in the image as "lost" and "gone" creates a sense of melancholy and the passing of time.

Q: How does the poem "A Photograph" explore the theme of memory?

A: The poem "A Photograph" explores the theme of memory through the use of vivid imagery and sensory details that evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past. The speaker describes the photograph as "dusty," which suggests that it has been stored away for a long time and has become a relic of the past. The description of the people in the photograph with their "half-closed eyes" and "smiles for the camera" evokes a sense of intimacy and shared memories. The final lines of the poem, which describe the people in the photograph as "gone" and "lost," emphasize the fragility of memories and the importance of cherishing them while they last.

 

Q: How does the poem use the metaphor of a photograph to explore the theme of time?

A: The metaphor of a photograph is used throughout the poem "A Photograph" to explore the theme of time. The photograph is described as "silent," which suggests that it is a witness to the past but cannot speak or communicate the memories it holds. The fact that the photograph is mounted on cardboard emphasizes its physicality and suggests that it is a tangible connection to the past. The description of the people in the photograph as "gone" and "lost" suggests that time has passed and that the people in the photograph are no longer the same as they were when the photograph was taken. The poem therefore uses the metaphor of a photograph to explore the passage of time and the transience of human experience.

 

Q: How does the poem convey the idea of the fleeting nature of human experience?

A: The poem "A Photograph" conveys the idea of the fleeting nature of human experience through the use of sensory details that evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past. The photograph itself is described as "dusty," which suggests that it has been stored away and has become a relic of the past. The people in the photograph are described with "half-closed eyes" and "smiles for the camera," suggesting that they were once young and carefree but that time has passed and they are no longer the same. The final lines of the poem, which describe the people in the photograph as "gone" and "lost," emphasize the idea that human experience is transitory and that memories can be fragile. Overall, the poem evokes a sense of wistfulness and melancholy as it explores the idea of the passing of time and the fleeting nature of human experience.

 

What is the central idea of the poem.

The central idea of the poem "A Photograph" by Shirley Toulson is the transience of human experience and the importance of memories in preserving the past. The poem explores the fragility of memories and the passage of time through the metaphor of a photograph. The photograph is described as a silent witness to the past, and the people in the photograph are portrayed as half-remembered figures from a bygone era. The poem emphasizes the importance of cherishing memories while they last and the inevitability of loss and change. Overall, the central idea of the poem is the fleeting nature of human experience and the power of memory to connect us to our past.

 

What is the message the poet delivers to the people through the poem.

The message that the poet Shirley Toulson delivers to the people through the poem "A Photograph" is the importance of cherishing memories and appreciating the transience of human experience. The poem encourages readers to recognize the fragility of memories and to value them as precious connections to our past. The message is also one of nostalgia and a longing for the past, as the poem evokes a sense of wistfulness and melancholy in its exploration of time and memory. Ultimately, the message of the poem is a reminder that time passes quickly, and that memories are our only tangible connection to the people and places that have shaped us.

 

What are the poetic devices used in the poem.

The poem "A Photograph" by Shirley Toulson employs several poetic devices to convey its themes and emotions. Some of the main poetic devices used in the poem are:

Metaphor: The photograph is used as a metaphor for memories, and is described as a "silent" witness to the past.

Imagery: The poet uses vivid sensory imagery to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past, such as the description of the photograph as "dusty" and the people in the photograph with their "half-closed eyes."

Alliteration: The repetition of the "s" sound in the phrase "smiles for the camera" creates a musical effect and emphasizes the sense of nostalgia and sadness in the poem.

Personification: The photograph is personified in the final lines of the poem, where it is described as having "mothered" the speaker and her siblings.

Symbolism: The photograph is a powerful symbol in the poem, representing the transience of human experience and the importance of memories in preserving the past.

Enjambment: The use of enjambment in the poem creates a sense of fluidity and movement, emphasizing the theme of time and the passage of memories from one moment to the next.

 

What are the rhythms of the poem

The poem "A Photograph" by Shirley Toulson is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a strict metrical pattern or rhyme scheme. However, the poem does have a rhythmic quality that is created by the use of repetition, alliteration, and enjambment.

For example, the repeated use of the phrase "the cardboard shows" at the beginning of each stanza creates a sense of rhythm and repetition. Similarly, the repetition of the "s" sound in the phrase "smiles for the camera" creates a musical effect.

The use of enjambment also creates a sense of fluidity and movement, as the lines flow into one another without pause. This creates a sense of rhythm and momentum that reflects the themes of time and memory in the poem.

Overall, while the poem does not adhere to a strict metrical pattern, its rhythmic quality is an important part of its emotional impact and its exploration of the themes of time, memory, and transience.

 

What is the tone of the poem

The tone of the poem "A Photograph" by Shirley Toulson is one of wistful nostalgia and sadness. The poet evokes a sense of longing for the past and a deep sadness at the fleeting nature of human experience. The use of vivid sensory imagery and metaphor creates a sense of melancholy and a longing for the people and places that have shaped us.

At the same time, the poem is also reflective and introspective, as the speaker contemplates the meaning and significance of the photograph and its role in preserving memories. The use of enjambment and repetition creates a sense of fluidity and movement, as if the memories are constantly shifting and changing over time.

Overall, the tone of the poem is one of bittersweet nostalgia and a deep awareness of the passage of time and the importance of memories in preserving the past.

 

What Does the word "cardboard" denote in the poem? Why has the word been used?

In the poem "A Photograph" by Shirley Toulson, the word "cardboard" denotes the material used to make the backing of the photograph. The phrase "the cardboard shows" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the physical presence of the photograph and drawing attention to its materiality.

The word "cardboard" has been used in the poem to emphasize the transient and ephemeral nature of human experience. The photograph, which is made of a durable material like cardboard, is a physical representation of a fleeting moment in time. The use of this material contrasts with the emotional weight and importance of the memories contained in the photograph, highlighting the tension between the materiality of the photograph and the intangible nature of memories.

Overall, the use of the word "cardboard" in the poem emphasizes the tension between the physical and emotional dimensions of memory and emphasizes the transient nature of human experience.

 

What has the camera captured?

In the poem "A Photograph" by Shirley Toulson, the camera has captured a moment in time, a snapshot of a family enjoying a day at the beach. The photograph shows the speaker's mother, aunt, and two young boys "caught mid-air, jumping" and "smiles for the camera."

The camera has captured the physical appearance of the people in the photograph, frozen in time and preserved for posterity. However, the poem also suggests that the camera has captured something deeper and more meaningful than just a visual image. The memories and emotions associated with the people and the moment captured in the photograph are also preserved, and they are an important part of what the camera has captured.

Overall, the camera has captured both the physical appearance of the people and the intangible memories and emotions associated with the moment captured in the photograph.

 

What has not changed over the years? Does this suggest something to you?

In the poem "A Photograph" by Shirley Toulson, the speaker notes that the sea in the background of the photograph has not changed over the years. This suggests that while people and their lives are transient and constantly changing, nature remains constant and enduring.

The sea in the photograph is a metaphor for the passage of time and the ever-changing nature of human experience. The fact that the sea remains constant suggests that nature provides a sense of stability and continuity in a world that is constantly in flux. The speaker seems to find comfort in this, suggesting that while people may come and go, the natural world remains a constant source of beauty and stability.

Overall, the fact that the sea in the photograph has not changed over the years suggests that the natural world provides a sense of permanence and stability in a world that is constantly changing.

 

The poet's mother laughed at the snapshot. What did this laugh indicate?

In the poem "A Photograph" by Shirley Toulson, the poet's mother laughed at the snapshot that was taken of her, her sister, and two young boys. Her laugh indicates that she is happy and enjoying the moment.

The laugh also suggests that the memory captured in the photograph is a joyful one, and that the people in the photograph are enjoying themselves in the moment. The fact that the poet's mother can still remember the moment and find joy in it years later emphasizes the power of memories to bring happiness and a sense of connection to the past.

Overall, the poet's mother's laugh indicates a sense of joy and happiness, and emphasizes the importance of capturing and preserving moments of happiness and connection in our lives.

 

What is the meaning of the line "Both wry with the laboured ease of loss".

The line "Both wry with the laboured ease of loss" is from the poem "A Photograph" by Shirley Toulson.

In this line, the speaker is referring to the expressions on the faces of her mother and her aunt in the photograph. The use of the word "wry" suggests that their smiles are somewhat ironic or tinged with sadness, and the phrase "laboured ease of loss" implies that they are making an effort to appear happy despite the fact that they have experienced loss.

The phrase suggests that while the moment captured in the photograph may be joyful, it is also bittersweet, as the people in the photograph have experienced loss and are still dealing with the emotions associated with it. The line highlights the complexity of human emotions and the way that joy and sadness can coexist in a single moment.

Overall, the line "Both wry with the laboured ease of loss" suggests that the people in the photograph are trying to be happy despite the fact that they have experienced loss, and that their smiles are bittersweet and tinged with sadness.

 

What does " this circumstance " refer to?

The phrase "this circumstance" does not appear in the poem "A Photograph" by Shirley Toulson. It is possible that you are referring to a specific line or phrase in the poem - if you could provide more context or information, I would be happy to help you understand what that line or phrase refers to.