On my First Son Summary

In “On my First Son,” Ben Jonson writes a bitter and personal response to the death of his son. The poem is addressed to the son, and begins by emphasizing that he was Jonson’s favorite child. Jonson goes on to try and convince himself that this is just fate, and his son is with God where he belongs, but he can’t displace his feelings of grief. Instead, he tells his son to remember himself as his father’s “best piece of poetry.” Those who see him buried should know that his death led Jonson to vow never again to like someone he loves.