The poem is addressed to the child which is about to be born. The idea that runs through the poem is that the world into which the child is to arrive is a hopeless place, dull and dark where one has to wait in a state of uncertainty and despair.
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1.3: grizzled cloud’s belly: from the bosom of a greyish cloud
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1.4: uncarpeted reef: a shelf of rock or sand off the seashore; an image of barrenness.
11.4- 6: Note the image of a reef where the tired seagulls seem to wait for their feed.
11. 6: water’s sunglass: water acting as a sunglass
1.8: subfusc: dark or dull in colour
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1.10: limbo: The word literally means a region or condition between heaven and hell to which the souls of unbaptized infants are believed to pass at death. The suggestion here is that the world into which the child is to come is no better than a dreadful limbo.
1.11- 14: The lines picture the uncertain and precarious conditions in which people live.
1.15- 16: Note the irony of the parents still waiting for the arrival of the child though they know very well what is in store for the newcomer.