The Speaker

As indicated in the title and the opening line, the speaker is a child in fifth grade (approximately ten years old) sharing a family photo that was taken when they were four years old. They recount their experience with objectivity, though there were clear emotional arcs taking place within the memory. Between the time at which the photo was taken and the present day, the speaker has undergone a maturation in which their envy of their brother has softened into an appreciation of the shared moment with her grandfather.

Brother

The speaker’s older brother is introduced immediately and vividly in the early lines of the poem, sitting in poison ivy with a mismatched explorer hat and sailor outfit. This speaks of a vivid imagination and need to go out and experience the world, although with more enthusiasm than prudence or experience. The speaker is envious of...