Sarah Jane - Fv

I am named after my grandmother.
Christened Sarah Jane, she was known as Jeanie.
That is often the way where I come from,
that deviation from the written proclamation.
The first three of my siblings
were never called by their primary
baptismal names, after family relations.
But the second, more meaningful to my parents.

So, Michael Derek became Derek,
Martin Seaneen, Seaneen  (son of Sean)
and Vivienne Teresa, Teresa. (Daddy's mother's)
The trend ended with me for some reason.
The three younger than I were also spared confusion.
Perhaps because my mother named me after her's,
and wanted to hold that connection to her heart.
To hear her name on a daily basis.

In return, I did the same for her.
She was always just Mum to us seven.
Daddy was the only one to call her name at home.
And such a lovely unusual name it is, Edna.
Although both were unimpressed with my choice initially,
I think Mum was secretly pleased.
Having grown into her name most beautifully,
my Edna has now met her Rupert.
The wedding invite will sound grand. 


14/03/2019

WHAT'S IN A NAME POETRY CONTEST
for Kim Rodrigues.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Smith Avatar
March 26, 2019 at 7:57 AM
Interesting and welcome piece. WE need lots of good poetry here in NZat moment. I wrote on the terrorist attack called welcome to the real world NZ which aired on local community Radio. All the best David in NZ
Murray Avatar
March 26, 2019 at 8:05 AM
I must read it David. I lived for 8 months in Harewa in 1984. This July in Cornwall I will be reunited with a Taranaki artist friend on tour, who has sent me hand painted Xmas card yearly since I left, Jenny Bielawski.
Michael Avatar
March 14, 2019 at 11:47 PM
A whole generation can fit into a name...interesting write... I could read you in your words...
Murray Avatar
March 15, 2019 at 1:57 AM
Good morning Arturo and thank you for taking the time to comment. Yes, we are all united by the history of our bloodline in a sacred way we often forget.
Pandit Avatar
March 14, 2019 at 7:17 AM
I enjoyed reading this special poem, Jean..it speaks uniquely about your family..you gave voices to all..your poem speaks for you.
Murray Avatar
March 14, 2019 at 9:49 AM
You are so nice Vijay and I love your comments. Thank you.
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