By Carly Smith
Content warning: homophobia
Umbilical Cord is a compilation of poems by Hasan Namir centring on deeply personal topics, including his homosexuality and fatherhood. Through his words, Namir delves into the profound emotions driven by surrogacy, parenthood, homophobia, and heteronormativity. He writes about his romantic relationship with his husband and his experiences of being an expectant parent (but not the gestational carrier) during pregnancy. He includes memories that tugged on his heartstrings in the early stages of raising a child, and the wishes and words of love he has for his new son. Umbilical Cord leaves readers emotionally charged and passionate about Namir’s hardships and triumphs.
Umbilical Cord is perfectly named. Namir documents the connections he shares with various individuals, be it long term or brief, including his son, his husband, their surrogate, strangers, and his father. As he writes about these connections, he recalls situations of heartbreak and upset, as his father and others oppose his homosexuality. He also writes about times of joy while connecting with his husband and his son.
The poems are not ordered chronologically, nor are they grouped by format, theme, or emotion. Rather, Namir orders his poetry in the same way life hits him—erratically, with waves of varied emotion. Just as relationships, both tumultuous and steady, are spread out over time, so too are the themes we encounter in this collection. His choice in ordering the poems in this particular way helps maintain interest, suspense, and empathy, especially for those who have not experienced what he has.
He has a knack for evoking excitement. The catharsis created by his word choice is undeniable. This book is suitable for anyone wanting to gain perspective on same-sex parenthood, surrogacy, the spontaneity of children, and present-day prejudice against homosexuality. Even though Umbilical Cord offers insight into a set of unique experiences, it is still exceptionally engaging and approachable.