An Odd Story

A man had a really unusual name
which gave him a lifetime of grief.
Odd, was the name he was given
which really was beyond belief!

Why would you name someone, Odd?
It's a strange name to give to a kid.
However, the fact remains
it's not right that they did, but they did!

All through his life he was troubled.
Other people made fun of his name.
"Oddball" was one of their labels,
it gave him a feeling of shame.

He asked his family to promise
that after he drew his last breath,
that all they would put on his tombstone
were the dates of his birth and his death.

When he died, they complied with his wishes.
 He went on to be with his God.
Now when people see only the dates on his stone,
they all say, isn't that ODD?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Guzzi Avatar
June 16, 2013 at 4:33 AM
Congrad's on your win. Light & Love
Morrison Avatar
June 13, 2013 at 5:10 PM
I loved this very humorous piece and I once dared to think having the first name of KIm to be odd. Congrats! What a enjoyable read!
Hendricks Avatar
April 11, 2011 at 6:00 PM
Haha, good one. Love your sharp sense of humor writing style. Here lies Odd A pitiful sod Properly entombed and cemented With nary a doubt His timing was out For dying 'fore nicknames were invented.
Johnson Avatar
April 6, 2011 at 12:45 PM
You are so witty. I love it. Love, Joyce
Devonshire Avatar
March 27, 2011 at 11:05 AM
Oh, that's a hoot, Ralph! How do you come up with these witty writes? People always called me "Weird Carolyn," so if I just have dates put on my tombstone, they'll probably ask, "Isn't that Weird?" You gave me a great laugh, Ralph. Hats off to you for your creativity and sense of humor! Love, Carolyn
Mantle Avatar
March 27, 2011 at 7:36 AM
LOL! A witty write Ralph. I enjoy your work. Best wishes Em :)
Brown Avatar
March 24, 2011 at 9:54 AM
I must tell you there have been so many diverse poems shared here at PoetrySoup yesterday and this morning that I am just now being able to read. Each one is a treasure to the poet who wrote it. It is a pleasure to me to be able to read them. I am so happy yours was among the ones I have read today Ralph. Love, Carol
Sweetheart Avatar
March 24, 2011 at 9:28 AM
Wonderful story of ODD Ralph.. a brilliant composition to make one have a bit of humor behind a terrific tale luv.. thoroughly enjoyed on this rainy snowy frigid morning my friend...
Konos Avatar
March 23, 2011 at 9:42 PM
HILARIOUS.....LOL...thanks
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