'New Arrival' Summary

In "A New Arrival," the speaker, a father, reflects on the arrival of his new baby. The poem overflows with joy and tenderness, as the speaker describes the wonder of holding his child. He marvels at the baby's fragility and the potential it holds for growth and development. Beyond the immediate joy, the poem subtly introduces the responsibilities of fatherhood. The speaker recognizes that his role as a father extends beyond providing for the child's physical needs, encompassing a sense of responsibility, guiding the child's moral compass, and fostering love and understanding. The poem concludes with a poignant message about the transformative power of fatherhood, suggesting that a child's innocence can inspire a father to strive for a higher moral standard, emulating the love and guidance of a benevolent figure like "Our Father who is in Heaven."