On First Names

I always felt I knew what sort o’ thing on which to earn our fam’ly’s, and our friends’, respect depends… But when I made comparisons between the things my parents said about their vast array of friends, I discovered what it was folks did to “earn a living” - in the long run - often mattered not! Regardless of the “game” they chose - the way they played their game - determined just how much respect they got. And noticing a frightening trend between the lives they led and - how they - by who knew them - were addressed… I began to see a disconcerting correlation cropping up amongst the worst and best! Exclusively addressed as, “Vincent”…Vincent Stefanato - who owns a bunch of trash-collection firms - has a young mechanic by the name of - “Vincent” Bono - who’s known by all as - “Vince”! You’ll note the terms. Their job descriptions differ greatly…but, outside of work… there aren’t that many differences…if any… and - one rung down the ladder still - seldom having jobs… are “Vincents” that are known as simply - “Vinny”! Vincent is - the business owner…Vince - the head mechanic… while “Vinnys” often find themselves in jail! So…..based upon this way of thinking - if you meet a “Vinny”… chances are - he’s prob’ly out on bail! Well…having come to understand that sometimes peoples’ names --- their firsts, at least --- are harbingers of doom… I’m feelin’ pretty stupid thinkin’ possibly my broker’s “integrity” was foolish to assume! The guy that I’ve been usin’ is the famous - “Leonard” Goldman. I took a chance and gave him every penny, But just a little while ago, I heard some news guy say… “The S.E.C. just threw the cuffs on…..Lenny! PS: I've now got 4 new Audio-CDs - @ 4 1/2 hours each = (62 diversely varied pieces). They’re listed on EBAY - under - “Mark Stellinga Poetry” - or available by simply contacting me at -- mark@writerofbooks.com -- should those of you who enjoy listening to poems as well as reading them - and particularly those of you that travel - care to be so entertained. (We use safe and simple - PayPal) There are a bunch of my pieces on YouTube as well --- Cheers, Mark