Here's the breakdown of the meaning:
* The poem uses a menagerie to depict a family: The animals represent different family members, each with their own quirks and personalities. For example, the mother is a "gentle, patient, long-suffering cow," while the father is a "proud and strutting peacock."
* Satire and humor: Nash uses exaggeration and absurdity to poke fun at the typical dynamics within families. He highlights common frustrations, like parents trying to control their children ("And the children are a pack of little wolves, who will bite and scratch and snap and howl"), and the general chaos that can ensue.
* Observation of human nature: Despite the humor, there's a touch of truth and observation in the poem. It captures the messy reality of family life, with its love, arguments, and the constant struggle for understanding.
* The "Nash" touch: Ogden Nash is known for his witty, playful style and use of rhyme and rhythm. He crafts his lines with a touch of whimsy and a sense of absurdity, making the poem entertaining and memorable.
The poem ultimately celebrates the chaotic and unpredictable nature of families, finding humor in the very things that often make them frustrating. It is a reminder that even with their flaws and annoyances, families are a source of both joy and irritation, and a constant part of our lives.