The poet expresses his fears about becoming a father and caring for his child. He worries that his life will be dependent on the child and that loneliness, hunger, or thirst may overwhelm her. However, as a poet he hopes to provide a nurturing environment filled with wonder and imagination. He fears that outside influences may crush her spirit. Ultimately, he realizes that caring for the child will give meaning to his life and hopes that giving her a name will "bring light."