My Name Is Caryl -Kah Rill

My father’s sister was a Caryl, so I was the one, To inherit the Welch version of Carol said, KAH rill. I thought the name was unique; it gave me a thrill, To know I was special enough to be second to none. First grade was hard for me to grasp the spelling, Constantly wrote Carly, dyslexia was a doozy. Mother shortened my middle name to Susie, No one realized the difficulties it was foretelling. When I reached my teenage years, Caryl was my name, First names were required; by then, I could spell it. It still gave others problems though, I must admit, Cheryl was my teachers favorite, nowhere close to claim. Others viewed it as Carl when written on paper, I could not fathom where it was even close to my name. I soon grew to ignore the disgust and fight the shame, Letting it dissipate into air like thick water vapor. No matter what I am called the intent will not vary, Love and joy amid my life is what I wish to leave. Its uncommonness adds to the meaning I believe, For love and joy I have found in the man I did marry. Copyright © 2011 By Caryl S. Muzzey Third Place Winner: "E Form" Poetry Contest Sponsored by: Broken Wings February 20, 2017 Fifth Place Winner: "What's In My Name” Poetry Contest Sponsored by: Linda-Marie The Sweetheart of PS's March 17, 2011