The Literal Meaning of "On My First Son" by Ben Johnson
..., to share in the emotion of the author. The line also keeps the biblical meaning: Matthew 5:30 says “If your right hand should cause you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” (NIV). Figuratively speaking, the son was the right hand, and the sin he provoked was his fathers dreams for him. The death of the boy was like the hand being cut from the body. It was the end of two parts whose existence was important to the survival of the other, which can parallel to the bonds between parents and children. “Seven years thou wert lent to me, and I thee pay,” tells us that the author’s son was only here for seven years (3). The excerpt “lent to me” informs us that the author’s attitude was that he knew that his son was not only his (3). He understands that it was time for him to return to the Father. Seven years may be a coincidence, but it continues the religious theme. The number seven is used over twenty times in the bible, and is used as a symbol of completeness and righteousness. Proverbs 24:16 says “…a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again….” (NIV). It is God’s promise to uphold the righteous. The statement “and I thee pay,” evokes the thought that the death of his son is the payment for his sin (3). It parallels to the death of Christ as the price for all sinners to be saved. “Exacted by thy fate, on the just day.” provides the reader with the information that the author accepts the reality of his son’s death, though it pains him (4). He knows that it was meant to be, and there was nothing he could do about it. “The just day” refers to the day his son died (4). “Just,” in this case, means very (4). The time of his death was fitting because he died on his seventh birthday. “Oh, could I lose all father now.” shows distress and anger (5). “Father” represents fatherhood (5). The boy was his only son, his only offspring. He has lost the only reason for playing the role of a father. The author seems to be confused as to what his reason for living is anymore. The sixth line, “For why, will man lament the state he should envy?” is a question to ponder (6 7). His sorrow leads him to this question. “Lament” means to regret or feel sorrow for (6 7). “Envy” means to resent or have a feeling of discontent towards (6 7). The words add to the tone and attitude of both the poem and the speaker. Death is a subject we regret, but we should resent it. “To have so soon ‘scaped world’s and flesh’s rage, And, if no other misery, yet age.”, refers to the thought that the author respects that his son has not been stripped of his innocence (7 8). The author is pleased his son lived as a child should. He was not poisoned with the sins of the flesh, and of the world. At some age, all people are stripped of the innocence we are born with. He understands that it is better this way even though the pain is so strongly felt within. He also is content with the fact that his son did not grow old. His son missed out on...