A Name

Why is there so much pain with you?

My foundation, my core, my identity.

You are foreign on their lips - even mine.

You're heavy.

Thick on the resume tossed in the trash

Obviously melanated,

Here come their judgments.

Coated in stereotypes.

Please, tell me why I'm not good enough for this job

where I meet all the qualifications?

It's the name with too many I's

That even I have misspelled.

You're holding me back from all I can be.

No, they just can't see beyond 8 letters

That creates unfamiliarity

and show your ethnicity.

The wrong kind of diversity.

__________________________

Dear Name,

I've hated you for years.

You failed me when I needed you most.

Left me wanting to exchange you for a Kathleen or Jessica,

A name with defined character

And ultimately assimilation.

But you are all I know

and to refer to me as anything other

feels like a betrayal.

I as I grow into myself

I find your value.

You are me.

The hard worker, deep lover - searching for God's light.

That is your meaning.