Back to photostream

On Receipt Of My Mother's Picture, Unmarked Albumen Cabinet Card with Mourning Poem on Reverse, Circa 1880

Written on the reverse of this cabinet card is the first stanza of a poem, "On Receipt Of My Mother's Picture," by William Cowper (1731–1800).

 

Oh that those lips had language! Life has pass'd

With me but roughly since I heard thee last.

Those lips are thine—thy own sweet smiles I see,

The same that oft in childhood solaced me;

Voice only fails, else, how distinct they say,

"Grieve not, my child, chase all thy fears away!"

 

It seems an obvious conclusion that this picture is of the mother of the person who wrote out Cowper's poem.

 

You can view the reverse here: www.flickr.com/photos/60861613@N00/9859323166/

 

5,875 views
1 fave
0 comments
Uploaded on September 21, 2013
Taken on September 21, 2013