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.