Dane Ann a Cool Name, Mine

Dane, “Little Dane” was my precious birth name. And I dearly loved my grandma who was also named, Dane. Naturally, at times, by mistake, folks said, “Jane.” Each time, “Dane…like a Great-Dane” rectification came. After many years searching genealogy, I discovered. No boys, but girls had great-grandfather Dane’s name. Naturally, surprised, proud of the name just the same. Adding Ann with no E…to me, Dane Ann, was conferred. Corrections were often needed; I could count on fun, too. Opportunities for attention ah, rapping at my name’s door. Over the years, receiving Mr. Dane mail I did not adore. Laughed loud when I was drafted, no girls, then, I knew. Now that joke was on me; I reported the mistake. And before I left for home, a dotted line I did see. My, the Army sounds great…an education for me! Events made me shake; the war made me quake. My name is Dane, not Jane, not “Puddin’-n-tane” It is not, James, John, or Penny-whinney-jinxsaw! Not Sally or Sue, but a life-name with no flaw. Easy to spell; it's for boys, and for me, D-A-N-E, Dane. © February 16, 2011 Dane Smith-Johnsen An acrostic poem written in “Enclosed Rhyme”