Living Up To One's Name

I looked at the obituary,
Read the words inside
And did a double take about
The person who had died.

He was a famous chief of what
They call the Blackfeet Nation
And most revered for fighting for
His tribal preservation.

What caught my eye, though, was his name –
Earl Old Person. Who knew 
When he was just a baby
That he’d live to 92?

It must have been confusing
And a trifle weird and wild
To be saddled with that name
When he was just a little child.

At least he did fulfill his quest
Of honor and acclaim,
Especially because he really
Lived up to his name.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Mcconnell Avatar
November 1, 2021 at 11:34 AM
Fine write Ilene with nice rhyme and flow and a tale well told. Blessings,Gordon
Krutsinger Avatar
October 30, 2021 at 3:37 PM
Earl Old Person. Brilliant parents, possibly psychic. Definitely optimistic.
Leffanta Avatar
October 28, 2021 at 11:09 AM
I suppose the first thing seen after his birth was an old person (there are no records showing a Native American named "Umbilical Cord") hence the name, but enjoyed your poem and tribute! Aloha!
Conn Avatar
October 27, 2021 at 6:43 PM
Change "saddled to "reserved".
Allison Avatar
October 27, 2021 at 12:18 PM
oh what a wonderful name and he defied the odds, Thanks for sharing this news in your super tribute poem:-) hugs Jan xx
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