Tom Valles Poet Sonnet

The Journey of Your Name

Born then drawn on your birth certificate 
A full legal name and identity.
Some simple, short or long and intricate
It follows us always and plain to see.

We learn early on how to write our name
In simple letters or cursive styling
Our name travels with us as plain or vain
Through academia, records, filings.

What of streets, buildings or on monuments
Or long-faded through time and forgotten?
In directories high, like parliaments
Or lineage with children begotten?

In the end, but one written name alights
Is it written in the Lamb's Book of Life?

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Anne-Lise Andresen September 17, 2026 at 9:47 AM - A name is good to have... (but, can be changed if you wish) - My address has changed many times in my life.:) - What names are written in "The Lamb's Book of Life" no one knows - A great poem, thanks for visiting my poem today, Tom :) - hugs Tom Valles September 17, 2026 at 4:53 PM Thanks for your comments, Anne-Lise. My address changed many times as well, and my name journeyed with it. Good point that people can change their name. 😊 I sure enjoy your great work. You are a great poet.

Daniel Henry Rodgers September 17, 2026 at 9:25 AM Hey Tom, learning to write one's name in childhood is a monumental developmental milestone, the precise moment a child realizes, I exist as a distinct person in the world. As we age, that set of syllables becomes an earthly vessel carrying everything we achieve, fail at, or build. How easily we entangle our true identity with administrative paper trails, degrees, and public records, mistaking the social container for the soul. Deeply reflective work, Tom. Blessings, Daniel Tom Valles September 17, 2026 at 4:59 PM Thank you, Daniel! I appreciate your thoughtful words. Your comments stirred more reflection on not just our names, but the soul. Be blessed!

Sam Kauffman September 15, 2026 at 2:25 PM Tom, our name does journey with us and we do look for it in the Lamb's Book of Life - the best place to find it and definitely where we want to be! I love your images and observations! Funny how often our name becomes our map in life. "Sam" means called by God. As I write and travel with my music ministry I often think of that irony. And, of course, Thomas means "twin!" as you explore the dualities of life. Thank you for sharing it! Sending you blessings for your journey. Sam Kauffman September 17, 2026 at 12:27 PM Thank you, Tom! Your messages are always thoughtful and lift up my spirit. If you go to Sam Kauffman Topic YouTube you can hear the music from five of the albums. The In This Room music is from the title song of the album. It is the international theme song of a prison ministry and sung worldwide. Enjoy! Be blessed! I would love to know what you think. 😍 Tom Valles September 16, 2026 at 7:15 AM Sam, what a great name and calling! It is evident in your poetry that His Spirit moves powerfully in you. I wish I could hear your music. I appreciate your encouragement very much and thank you for the enrichment your poetry has given me. Bless you, Sam!

Gershon Wolf September 14, 2026 at 7:51 PM An interesting intersection has taken place between your last line and the moment the Jewish world is now in: Between Rosh Hashana (this past Saturday and Sunday) and Yom Kippur (next Monday), the Book of Life and the other Book are open before the Almighty. And we hope, pray, and try to get in some last-second good deeds to merit inclusion in the former book. May we all merit to be in the Book of Life for another year!! ~ Gershon Tom Valles September 15, 2026 at 10:57 AM Gershon, the timing is interesting indeed. Thank you for insights. God bless you, Gershon!