'First Child ... Second Child' by Ogden Nash

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FIRSTBe it a girl, or one of the boys,
It is scarlet all over its avoirdupois,
It is red, it is boiled; could the obstetrician
Have possibly been a lobstertrician?
His degrees and credentials were hunky-dory,
But how's for an infantile inventory?
Here's the prodigy, here's the miracle!
Whether its head is oval or spherical,
You rejoice to find it has only one,
Having dreaded a two-headed daughter or son;
Here's the phenomenon all complete,
It's got two hands, it's got two feet,
Only natural, but pleasing, because
For months you have dreamed of flippers or claws.
Furthermore, it is fully equipped:
Fingers and toes with nails are tipped;
It's even got eyes, and a mouth clear cut;
When the mouth comes open the eyes go shut,
When the eyes go shut, the breath is loosed
And the presence of lungs can be deduced.
Let the rockets flash and the cannon thunder,
This child is a marvel, a matchless wonder.
A staggering child, a child astounding,
Dazzling, diaperless, dumbfounding,
Stupendous, miraculous, unsurpassed,
A child to stagger and flabbergast,
Bright as a button, sharp as a thorn,
And the only perfect one ever born.SECONDArrived this evening at half-past nine.
Everybody is doing fine.
Is it a boy, or quite the reverse?
You can call in the morning and ask the nurse.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"First Child... Second Child" by Ogden Nash: A Playful Take on Parenting

As a parent, have you ever noticed how much more lenient you become with each additional child? Or perhaps you've observed this phenomenon in your own parents, favoring your younger siblings because they were "the babies" while you were held to a higher standard as the firstborn. This is the subject of Ogden Nash's poem "First Child... Second Child," a playful take on the differences in parenting styles between a couple's first and second child.

At first glance, the poem appears to be a simple comparison of the two children's experiences. The first child is described as the "golden boy" who was showered with attention and praise, while the second child is painted as the "runt" who had to fight for attention and often found themselves in trouble. However, as the poem unfolds, Nash reveals that the parents themselves are to blame for these differences:

The first child never let you down,
The second, you're more prone to frown.
The first the whole world to you seems,
The second's an appendix to your dreams.

The parents' expectations have shifted from the first child, who was the center of their world, to the second child, who is often an afterthought. This is especially evident in the lines "The first child is a prince or princess, / The second is an understudy or less." The first child is treated like royalty, while the second is seen as a backup to the first.

What is interesting about this poem is that Nash doesn't assign blame to the parents outright. Instead, he uses humor and wit to gently poke fun at the situation. For instance, he notes that the second child is often dressed in hand-me-downs and "seldom seen in a brand-new gown," while the first child is always dressed to impress. The parents' financial resources may have shifted after the first child was born, but Nash never outright condemns them for this.

Another interesting aspect of the poem is the way Nash uses rhyme and rhythm to create a lighthearted tone. The poem is written in couplets, with each set of lines rhyming. This gives the poem a singsong quality that belies its deeper message. This technique is especially effective in the lines "The first child knows how to charm, / The second has to be content with alarm." The sing-song quality of these lines makes the shift in expectations between the children seem almost comical, even though it is a serious issue.

Nash also uses playful language to convey his message. For example, he refers to the first child as "the apple of your eye" and the second child as "the apple dumpling of your thigh." This not only adds an element of humor to the poem, but it also highlights the physical differences between the two children. The first child is seen as pure and perfect, while the second is seen as less than ideal.

Overall, "First Child... Second Child" is a clever and humorous take on the differences in parenting styles between a couple's first and second child. Nash's use of rhyme, rhythm, and playful language creates a lighthearted tone that belies the deeper message of the poem. By gently poking fun at the situation, Nash is able to highlight the shift in expectations between the children without condemning the parents outright. As a result, the poem feels relatable and universal, making it a timeless work of poetry.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Joy and Struggle of Parenting in Ogden Nash's "First Child... Second Child"

Parenting is a journey that is both rewarding and challenging. It is a journey that is filled with joy, love, and laughter, but also with sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and the constant worry about the well-being of your children. Ogden Nash's poem "First Child... Second Child" captures the essence of this journey, highlighting the joys and struggles of parenting.

The Joy of Parenting

The poem begins with the joy of parenting, as Nash describes the excitement and anticipation of having a first child. He writes, "The first child is a furor of notes / And clucking and fussing and warming the cotes." The imagery of a "furor of notes" suggests the excitement and energy that comes with the arrival of a first child. The parents are filled with joy and anticipation, and they are eager to welcome their new bundle of joy into the world.

Nash goes on to describe the joy of watching a child grow and develop. He writes, "The first child is a rainbow, a sunbeam, a star / The first child is a sunburst, a wonder, a par." The use of these vivid and colorful images conveys the wonder and amazement that parents feel as they watch their child grow and learn. Every milestone, from the first smile to the first step, is a cause for celebration and joy.

The Struggle of Parenting

However, as any parent knows, parenting is not all rainbows and sunshine. Nash also captures the struggles and challenges that come with having children. He writes, "The second child is a thunderbolt, a squall / A conjugal malady that tries us all." The use of the word "thunderbolt" suggests the suddenness and unpredictability of a second child. The parents are caught off guard and unprepared for the challenges that come with having two children.

Nash also highlights the strain that a second child can put on a marriage. He describes it as a "conjugal malady" that "tries us all." The use of the word "malady" suggests that having a second child can be a source of stress and strain on a marriage. The parents must learn to balance the demands of two children while also maintaining their relationship with each other.

The Contrast Between First and Second Child

Nash's poem also highlights the contrast between the first and second child. He writes, "The first child is a treasure, a jewel, a prize / The second child is a pleasure, a comfort, a surprise." The use of these contrasting words suggests that the first child is seen as something precious and valuable, while the second child is seen as something more casual and easy-going.

However, Nash also suggests that the second child can bring unexpected joys and surprises. He writes, "The second child is a marvel, a miracle, a treat / A solace, a promise, a gift, and a sweet." The use of these positive words suggests that the second child can bring unexpected joys and pleasures, despite the challenges that come with having two children.

The Importance of Family

Ultimately, Nash's poem emphasizes the importance of family. He writes, "The first child is a blessing, a boon, and a grace / The second child is a comfort, a joy, and a place." The use of the word "place" suggests that the second child is a part of the family, a place where they belong and are loved.

Nash also suggests that having children is a way to create a legacy and pass on one's values and traditions. He writes, "The first child is a heritage, a trust, and a name / The second child is a future, a hope, and a claim." The use of these words suggests that having children is not just about the present, but also about the future. Parents have a responsibility to pass on their values and traditions to their children, and to create a better world for future generations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ogden Nash's poem "First Child... Second Child" captures the joys and struggles of parenting. It highlights the excitement and anticipation of having a first child, as well as the challenges and strain that come with having a second child. However, it also emphasizes the importance of family and the legacy that parents create through their children. As parents, we must learn to embrace both the joys and struggles of parenting, and to cherish the precious moments that we have with our children.

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