(Photo of Gruff listening to the Ramayana.)
Just a quick blog in a snatched moment – my little son, Gruff Albert, was born two weeks ago, and is currently dozing against my chest in his Baby Bjorn. Gruff (pronounced Griff) is Welsh, in recognition of my husband Richard’s Welsh blood, whilst Albert was my father’s name. I have been having a fortnight of firsts – learning about nappy-changing, breastfeeding, baths and burping. I’m sure the rituals of childcare will soon grow repetitive, but at the moment I’m completely entranced by this tiny, wide-eyed creature with his long fingers and constantly animated face.
I haven’t got much work done, obviously, but I’m interviewing Daljit Nagra for Poetry London later this month, so have been reading an advance copy of his version of the Ramayana: the 4th century, Hindu story of Rama and Sita. I’ve read Narayan’s prose translation before (as well as a wonderful version for children illustrated by the poet and artist Sophie Herxheimer) but this free verse, poetic reworking is brilliant: a joyous Technicolor cartoon packed with life and lovely words, that I highly recommend when it comes out. In honour of its oral roots, I have been reading it aloud to Gruff, who seems to be enjoying it when I am Hanuman the giant monkey.
And I was very pleased to get a brilliant review for Ovid’s Heroines, my own take on an ancient text, in the Guardian this weekend. Thanks to all who have bought the book so far. Not to mention all your kind messages, presents and poems for my baby boy!
clarepollard 
Lovely blog, what a welcome to the literary world for young Gruff, (who is gorgeous). Ancient and new, Ramyana and Ovid, he has a rich start to life!
Lovely picture Clare.
I was lucky enough to hear Daljit read from a draft of his Ramyana in the libary at Ty Newedd last year. It was spellbinding.
Huge congrats to you all, Clare. You’re doing well if you’re managing to do all that stuff within two weeks! I also remember trying to work while my baby was strapped to my chest – but not til months afterwards. Hope you manage to juggle baby and writing (the early months are in a way probably the easiest, as I remember!)
Congrats! He’s beautiful. And he’ll have a wonderfully attuned poetic ear…
Congratulations, he’s gorgeous!! Hope everything’s going well. Enjoy all the firsts!!
Many congratulations to you and Richard, Clare, Gruff’s a little beauty! And your new book is another gorgeous arrival. Wishing you joy and wonder and some sleep.