What's in a name? A poem by Kazeem Adio

What's in a name? I sometimes ask myself
John, Dagan, Amaka, Ademola or Abdullahi
It sticks forever to your chest, Just like a birth mark
It often tells where we're from and with whom our mama had laid
Were you born in the woods, on a sunny day or when it rained?
Did you marry an Obasanjo, a Clinton or a Dangote?
Or like in some cultures, is it the sound coming out of a breaking plate?
What's in a name, I ask again?
Most ladies get married and add one more to their names.
A proud Mrs frowns when addressed only by her maiden name.
Even a dog wags its tail proudly when he hears being called
I've seen where a dying man when called by his name, came back to life
The same way I have witnessed others die, when called by their chosen name
And how same has inspired many, when a mention of their hero"s name is made.


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