Names

I wrote this poem because I don't really like my name. I'm fascinated with magick, philosophy, and spirituality, so Justin seems far too mundane. I really like the idea that some books have where children are given new names when they reach 12 or 13 to sh

What are names?

Titles, illusions.

How can something

We were given at birth

Show who we really are?

 

They bind us sometimes

And push us ahead others.

But things are never equal

When such titles become involved.

For they cannot possibly reflect your soul.

 

They build up "defenses"

That end up smothering us.

Ideas and personalities

Are associated with them,

But are rarely ever true.

 

After all,

How can something

We were given at birth

Show how we've changed in time?

Author's Note

As always, feel free to critique.

Reviews

[Emily B]

There was a time when a man's good name was based on his strength of character. I think you have a fine, strong name. Just is not a word we use anymore to describe such strong character, but ingrained in the past as I am it is the first thing I think of. . .

There are far worse. Shame on the parents of Charlie Charles and Holly Jolly and Sandi Castle. Those are real names. Sad but true. My parents flipped a coin. Blind dumb luck named me after four generations of Emilys before me instead of a horrid name like "Davetta".

[Destiny]

I have felt the same way. Although I am on the opposite end of this debate. I happen to love my name, and only wish I was a man to pass it on to my future child.
That being said...
I liked the structure of this poem. It didn't rhyme but there was definitely a poetic flow to it. I don't mean that poetry needs to rhyme but this reminds me of prose. I wouldn't critique this though. I feel it's effective as it is. Very simply and yet packs a punch. It makes you think. I've always found it odd that a name was chosen for you and you'd usually end up with that same name your whole life, but that's the way things are. There's always legally changing it...
Thanx for writing.
♥Destiny♥

[Siddartha Beth Pierce]

Very true - mine was always difficult for me as a child as I was ridiculed - as a spiritual adult it is difficult to live up to to say the least - perhaps I am trying though. Thank you for this - much to consider.
Light,
Siddartha