A NAME

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By Debra Wendt

What shall we say of the name we are known by? A name

is identity revealed,

a written record that holds the hope of the giver,

the beginning of a story forged:

episode

milestone

memory.

It acknowledges existence, a link.

in the chain of family history,

lineage that reveals:

past struggles

successes

progression –

a good name.

What shall I call you?

God answered Moses: I am that I am – mystery

that denotes completeness,

the “I” that existed before time,

uncreated

unchangeable

all-sufficient.

God the Father everlasting:

living

active

caring.

Names go forth –

to become.

First Published in The Penwood Review Fall 2024.