Growing up Tennyson

People often ask us, upon finding out our son's name, whether we're big fans of Lord Alfred Tennyson, poetry in general, or just weird names. Here's the answer: yes. Really though, we just liked the name, and we still do. Hopefully Tennyson Jay will as well.

Having said that, Lord Tennyson did write some great poetry. Two of his poems sum up my thoughts of the last few weeks particularly well. First, his "Charge of the Light Brigade" explains my current feelings for law school. Second, and more importantly, I've been thinking a lot lately about how fast my boy is growing up. Two days ago he took his first steps. Sure, they were awkward, but, without holding on to anything, he took two steps and then remained standing. The dude's almost one year old already. He's constantly talking (in his own language). He is always so busy and excited that he's habitually pushing us away to get to the next interesting (read: dangerous) thing to play with or eat. He knows what he wants (I'm not sure who taught him that). Despite my parents still wondering if I'll ever grow up, I'm amazed at how fast my little boy is growing up. Every parent probably goes through these feelings countless times. This is my first time, though--please indulge me. So, as promised, here is the second poem by Lord Tennyson, summing up how I feel:

Cradle Song
by Lord Alfred Tennyson

What does little birdie say
In her nest at peep of day?
Let me fly, says little birdie,
Mother, let me fly away.
Birdie, rest a little longer,
Till thy little wings are stronger.
So she rests a little longer,
Then she flies away.

What does little baby say,
In her bed at peep of day?
Baby says, like little birdie,
Let me rise and fly away.
Baby, sleep a little longer,
Till thy little limbs are stronger.
If she sleeps a little longer,
Baby too shall fly away.