My Name Is Still Thompson

Victory to the women who’ve survived Desertion, divorce and all that jive If your name is still Thompson, after fifty years. Maybe longer through drought, doubt and tears Do I stand alone, out above the rest? Is 50 years single enough of a test? Could be longer for some that they would speak. A hopeful name change is what one seeks. My name is still Thompson throughout times of pain. Careful to not bring that name any shame Southern gentility breeds in its bowels. How else would we come by this name anyhow? My name is still Thompson from the day that I wed, with Thompson proceeding each man in my bed. My name is still Thompson on all deeds I.ve done on published books, and accolades I’ve won. I wonder what happened to my maiden self? Loss somewhere on a dorm room shelf. My name is still Thompson on legal writs and clauses Will be so even if arrested for causes Time passes and I have increased in age. With Thompson will I exit the stage? Up from the sixties fields of southern hate Nine Thompson children determined their fate They all finished college Possess fields of knowledge Were expertly grown Made lives of their own In all these years, I’ve felt only love Whether wed or divorced, is for God above To belong to such a family, one should be proud. So, my name is still Thompson, I say so out loud. 4/14/2022