Waking with Russell
This poem shows the love Don Paterson has for his newborn son. Paterson uses Russell鈥檚 smile to portray the positive effect this baby has had on his life. Before the arrival of his son, the poet鈥檚 life lacked purpose and meaning, but now he experiences true contentment.
In the first section, Paterson describes the moment of waking up next to Russell and watching his son鈥檚 face light up with a smile. This, in turn, affects the speaker, and he too smiles back in new found joy.
The second section of the poem is an address to Russell, beginning Dear son.
Paterson explains to his son how having his presence in the world has altered life for the better. Paterson continues to use the initial smile mentioned in the first lines to represent the joy and love that pours
through father and son. The final lines are celebratory in tone, as the poet confirms the life-affirming power of his relationship with his child.
It is important to notice that the poem is titled Waking with Russell, with the use of the present participle in waking
suggesting this is not a completed moment. Waking next to his child is an ongoing event, with the image of Russell鈥檚 smile ever-present in Paterson鈥檚 mind and now immortalised in the poem itself. The joy behind the smile is also continuous, as Paterson dedicates his love to his son forever.
The act of waking
also reminds us of awakening,
as if this is a revelatory moment for the poet.