'First Child ... Second Child' by Ogden Nash
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FIRST
Be 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.
SECOND
Arrived 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 Masterpiece of Humor and Satire
Have you ever read a poem that made you laugh out loud and also made you think deeply about life and society? If not, then you must read "First Child ... Second Child" by Ogden Nash, one of the greatest American poets of the 20th century. This poem is a masterpiece of humor, satire, and social commentary that explores the differences between the first and the second child in a family, and how they reflect the larger cultural and historical changes.
The Poem's Structure and Style
Before delving into the poem's meaning and significance, let's first look at its structure and style. Like most of Nash's poems, "First Child ... Second Child" is a short and witty piece of verse that consists of only eight lines. The poem follows a simple rhyme scheme of AABBCCDD, with each line having four syllables. This tight and precise structure gives the poem a playful and musical quality that is easy to remember and recite.
Another notable aspect of the poem's style is the use of puns, allusions, and wordplay. Nash was a master of these literary devices, and he employs them brilliantly in this poem to create humor and irony. For example, the phrase "The first child's thickest diaper" in the first line is a pun on the word "thick," which can mean both physically bulky and emotionally dense. This pun sets up the contrast between the first and second child, and also suggests that the first child is burdened with more responsibilities and expectations.
The Meaning and Significance
So, what is the poem really about? On the surface, it is a lighthearted comparison of the first and second child in a family, highlighting the different ways they are treated and perceived by their parents and society. The first child is seen as the experimental prototype, the one who must bear the brunt of the parents' anxieties and ambitions. The second child, on the other hand, is often regarded as the relief pitcher, the one who can afford to be more carefree and rebellious.
But as we read deeper into the poem, we realize that it is also a commentary on the larger social and historical context in which the first and second child are born. The first child is the product of a more traditional and conservative society, where conformity and stability are valued over creativity and change. The second child, on the other hand, is born into a more liberal and progressive society, where individualism and experimentation are encouraged.
Through this comparison, Nash is suggesting that the first child is burdened with more cultural baggage and expectations, while the second child has more freedom but also more uncertainty. The first child is expected to follow the established norms and fulfill the parents' dreams, while the second child is expected to break the rules and find his or her own path. Both paths have their own advantages and disadvantages, and Nash leaves it to the readers to decide which one is better.
The Poem's Relevance Today
Despite being written more than half a century ago, "First Child ... Second Child" remains as relevant and insightful today as it was then. In fact, one could argue that its relevance has increased in the current age of rapid technological and social change. The traditional roles and expectations of the first child are being challenged by the new possibilities and uncertainties created by the digital revolution and globalization. The second child, meanwhile, faces the challenge of finding a sense of identity and purpose in a world that is becoming more fragmented and complex.
Moreover, the poem's theme of the tension between conformity and innovation is also relevant to the contemporary debates about politics, culture, and education. Many people today are struggling to balance the need for stability and security with the desire for creativity and diversity. The poem's message that both the first and second child have their own strengths and weaknesses can help us appreciate the complexity and richness of human experience, and avoid simplistic and dogmatic solutions to social problems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "First Child ... Second Child" is a remarkable poem that combines humor, irony, and social commentary in a concise and memorable form. It challenges us to rethink our assumptions about family, society, and history, and appreciate the diversity and complexity of human experience. Whether you are a first child or a second child, or neither, you will find something to relate to and learn from in this wonderful poem. So, go ahead, read it again, and enjoy the wit and wisdom of Ogden Nash!
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
First Child... Second Child: A Poem by Ogden Nash
Ogden Nash, a renowned American poet, is known for his witty and humorous poems. One of his most famous works is the poem "First Child... Second Child," which is a humorous take on the differences between first and second-born children. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail.
The poem begins with the lines, "The first child is a prince or princess, the second is an outlaw." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a humorous comparison between the first and second-born children. The first child is often treated like royalty, while the second child is seen as a troublemaker.
Nash goes on to describe the first child as "a little angel in a frilly dress or baby blue rompers." This image of the first child as an angelic being is a common one, as parents often dote on their first-born child. The second child, on the other hand, is described as "a little devil in a red wagon or a pair of overalls." This image of the second child as a mischievous troublemaker is also a common one, as second-born children often feel neglected in comparison to their older siblings.
The poem continues with Nash describing the first child as "a little king or queen, with a throne of pillows and a scepter of rattle and spoon." This image of the first child as a ruler is again a common one, as parents often spoil their first-born child. The second child, however, is described as "a little bandit, with a slingshot and a bag of marbles." This image of the second child as a thief is a humorous take on the idea that second-born children often feel like they have to fight for attention and resources.
Nash then goes on to describe the first child as "a little scholar, with a library of books and a desk of his own." This image of the first child as a studious and intelligent individual is again a common one, as parents often place a lot of emphasis on their first-born child's education. The second child, however, is described as "a little truant, with a fishing pole and a skipping rope." This image of the second child as a slacker is a humorous take on the idea that second-born children often feel like they don't have to work as hard as their older siblings.
The poem concludes with Nash describing the first child as "a little angel, with a halo of curls and a voice like a harp." This image of the first child as an angelic being is repeated, emphasizing the idea that first-born children are often seen as perfect. The second child, however, is described as "a little devil, with a cowlick and a voice like a foghorn." This image of the second child as a loud and obnoxious troublemaker is a humorous take on the idea that second-born children often feel like they have to be louder and more attention-seeking in order to get noticed.
Overall, "First Child... Second Child" is a humorous and lighthearted poem that pokes fun at the differences between first and second-born children. Nash's use of vivid imagery and playful language makes the poem an enjoyable read, while also highlighting some of the common stereotypes and perceptions associated with birth order. While the poem may not be a serious analysis of the psychological effects of birth order, it does provide a fun and entertaining look at the topic.
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