The speaker is a man describing his feelings about becoming a father. He stresses that his child is wanted and planned, born from contentment with his own life and love for his wife. When the baby arrives, he feels an almost arrogant pride: no other child can compare to his son. He wants to raise the boy himself, sharing that job with his partner rather than handing him over to the state. The pleasure he finds in providing for his family connects him to something old and instinctive, like a lion hunting for its mate and cubs. The word “conceited” isn’t meant cruelly; it captures his amused, self-satisfied certainty. The repeated refrain about being satisfied with life, conceited with himself, and loving his wife gives the poem a confident, warm, slightly boastful tone. It feels like a sturdy, unapologetic celebration of fatherhood and domestic life.
The Individualist — Summary
When I get a child, I get him with fixed intent; I don't get him by accident. I get him because I am content with life, Satisfied with myself, And because I love my wife.
When the child is born, I am full of scorn At thought of other children. By instinct I divine There never was so fine a boy as mine. I think this, because I am satisfied with life, Conceited with myself, And because I love my wife.
And I want to keep my son, I want to finish what I have begun. It is one of the keenest pleasures that I know To feed a child and watch him grow. I don't want to give him to the State; I want to share him with my mate.
I like going into hustling life. To bring back something for my boy and wife. I do this because the old Brave Hunted from the cave. Because a lion in the wilderness Kills for the cub and lioness, And because I am satisfied with life, Conceited with myself, And because I love my wife.