As our first child you had the whole
shortlist of names to yourself,
which made it harder for us to decide,
like scrolling Netflix for hours
then giving up and going to bed.
Lucas was always a favourite. I can’t explain why.
Neither of us had even met a Lucas before.
We thought we were ready to meet you,
but without warning, like a tsunami
you arrived five whole weeks early,
our best laid plans swept away.
Now there were three of us aboard our boat,
your mother and me at the oars,
and you secured by wires and tubes
in case the slightest breeze would carry you off.
At every opportunity we held you in our arms.
You were a clear message of life, a dove
carrying an olive branch.
We sent the message along with your picture
out into the world, and imagined you dawning
like a sunrise upon the people’s faces,
the bringer of light,
as they saw you for the first time,
our beloved, Noah.
Hi David,
Naming is a great theme with the underlying tentacles of meaning and it is theme that can be expanded in many contexts (not least in landscape names for mountains, rivers, etc). The personal element here is, of course, relatable and engaging for many readers (including me). You ground the poem in the clarity of everyday language, but takes chances with inventive imagery to challenge the reader. I feel you have the balance. The Netflix simile is an effective domestic opener and anchor, and does translate the bewilderment of options. The unpredictability of life, the venture of children, and the analogy of weather, the overwhelming scale of change, and the ‘being at sea’ in the vastness of possibilities, all relatable. I presume that sea feeling led you to Noah?
I really appreciate your detailed review of the poem. I’d be lying if I said that’s how we decided in the end, I think it just came what we thought would match his spirit, which isn’t easy to figure out with a newborn. The poor wee chap was nameless until day 3! Thanks again. I’m pleased you connected with it. Ps as we are on the subject of names, I’m Niall, not David
