Photo by K8 on Unsplash

Given Many Names

navigating label of things

Given a name, birthing forth a new day
time ever-changing, existence muted
formal at the beginning, learned adolescence
little joey, hopping from down under
terms edge, shortened leash labeled again

Seeking love, forgotten child
impulsive becomes hostility, greedy befriends dishonesty
vengeful, thankfully never sadistically motivated
adaptable, anxious, sordid is questionable leaving an after taste
All these characters in one, mastering all, witnessing mostly bitchy.

Cold, coarsely intertwining life’s deceit
cunning as a fox, careless life’s story-lines
harsh reality, cruelty surrounding thoughts
sanctimonious by trade, self-taught broad-minded becoming
artificial sweetener no longer, humble descent, a new name given.

First of two Owls received, straightforward as is
self-disciplined grasshopper, training for life’s ultimate battle
inside the imaginative, forceful, and vengeful mind
remaining true to the core, magnanimous to all
most importantly self-gratitude.

Adopted by another clan, sir name that of ancients
fearless, selfless, phoenix rising spreading wings
self-confident always, wrong steps taking turns
a solid foundation, sure-footed as it may
well rounding the curve, formerly rash in one’s hand.

Self-actualized coming of age, self-realized twin brother orders up
straightforward perception, optimistic infinitesimal scream
once reserved, bah, not a chance
chameleon lighting up with glee, serpent shedding skin sympathetically
commencement Aquarian stars, fusion within collective as told to me.

Decisive and helpful, J.D. characterizing prompt
thought-provoking, auspicious, and judiciously
becoming nothing, everything, synthesizing time and space
a speck of sand on a tiny star, within a tiny galaxy left in a tiny brain
expansive it is, all things I am.
choosing kindness that is who I want to be.

~Ani Po