Just to add my thought...the poem is very Scottish but... it was written by a poet laureate and last I checked, they aren't usually recognised for their bad works. Additionally, as the babies in our family are Scottish with various other mixed in nationalities such as English, American and other, it brings a bit of a reminder of the baby's heritage, it's artists (as in the poet that wrote it), and the culture in which a baby is born. It is only given to babies born to Scottish hospitals so my in laws living south of me will not receive it, but all have commented to say it was very sweet.
I know what many of you mean by saying it's too Scottish or Scotland is lacking in certain resources but as part of a family almost entirely made up of NHS Scotland employees (my husband a rural Scottish GP, my father in law a retired Scottish/Western Isles surgeon, my mother in law a former surgical nurse, my sister in law a ward sister...I know that the lack of staff is hitting us hard. Not only the public, but those working hard (like my husband) to keep the doors open on rural medical practices as they watch GPs, partners, one by one leave for greener pastures and new GPs are just hard to find as are midwives, nurses and consultants.
I think the poem will be lost to a stack of papers and bills in a corner in my brother in law's home. Not because the sentiment is lacking meaning and appreciation, but because other things will soon take on more importance than a random poem given at their baby's birth under difficult circumstances.
As a photographer, and a human being who has lost many loved ones and with many more facing serious medical battles, I can say I wish I still had that hospital wristband my mother saved from when I was born as well as my brother. I wish I still had that teddy bear my dad brought to the hospital after I was born, my mum saying he was half overly excited and half in tears and to this day, I'm unsure of its location since my mum passed away. I wish I had my baby book with the first photos and first words and all of the other slightly silly, but very much a part of a baby entering this world.
The poem may not ring beauty and sentiment to many of you, but for someone, somewhere in Scotland who is going through child rearing alone, who doesn't have many loving gifts to decorate her nursery, perhaps this poem was like a birthday card unexpected. It may well mean nothing, but for some...it is something they might find in 20 years and relive, all over again, that moment when their son or daughter entered the world perhaps against all odds, or even with every privilege ...
Criticise as you feel necessary, but I know one mum that was very touched and another auntie who was grateful for a poet's sweet blessing that brought a smile to someone she cares for's face.
I guess it's about perspective? I completely understand it's very saccharine sweet for many. But...not for all. :)