What’s In a Name?
I hear you name me
Depositing me in your closet
Confined in a cardboard box
Scrambling amongst the forsaken
I hear you name me
The sound with the two syllables
Or did it used to be one?
One-size assumedly fits all
I hear you name me
While trying to deny
My illustrious presence
Disconcerted by history
I hear you name me
an unnecessary concession
a sanction for a birthday party
claiming ownership with immunity
I hear you name me
My suffering a mockingbird blues
Coinciding with your profits
Recriminations decidedly ignored
I hear you name me
A brand mark with a capital N
So, playing deaf and dumb
I simply ignore your ass
❖
Camille Elaine Thomas, January 11, 2023
#PoetLaureate #ElaineThomas #VWhatsInAName #GlobalBlackCaucus #DemsAbroad #BlackHistoryMonth #Poem