These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

What's in a Name?

Oh, what's in a name? I'm thirsty to know.
The name of a plant gives guidance to grow.
Each name for a man or a woman, indeed,
brings thoughts of humility, honor or greed.

A book has a name, that may plant it in space
or point to a soul, who has gone with no trace.
The name of a book as a moment in time
touches hearts with a need in rhythm and rhyme.

We often don't think of books in these terms.
Their paths seem so straight near raised little berms,
but subtle the change in the purpose and grace
of prosaic tomes in their cadence and pace
will heighten the joy and the art of each vase.

What names can we find for a poetry piece?
Will we land on the moon? In the country of Greece?
Is there sadness of heart or a glory-filled soul?
Is there pain all throughout or are we made whole?

For Alexis, the car, or Chuck, who can carry,
there are times for the family, wondrous and merry.
Right here on the soccer field, sweaty and cold,
the teams are the cougars, or France or the Gold.

"The rose by another name would smell as sweet,"
were Romeo, Juliet then blest to meet.
Yet, Hawthorns are known by their terrible spears.
Another name would never lessen our fears.

A teddy bear, cute and so cuddly and small
will grow to be large and quite vicious and tall.
A garter snake's green as it plays in your hand,
but Eastern Green Mambas bring death quite unplanned.

So, what's in a name? Depends what's inside,
for hope may be hiding or meanness and pride.
In June or July and December, too,
is pleasantness waiting when safety is through.

by Jay O'Toole
on January 28th, 2020