Raymond Carver's poem "Photograph of My Father In His 22nd Year" explores the theme of expectations imposed on children by their parents. The poem describes a photograph of the narrator's father at age 22, leaning casually against a car while dressed in jeans and a denim shirt. As an adult looking back, the narrator realizes his father was posing to convey a certain image, rather than showing his true self. The poem examines how growing up allows one to gain perspective on their parents and understand that outward impressions are not always accurate reflections of a person's character or ability to meet expectations.