I have a name. 
It's not such a bad one. 
Its not too long or too short. 
Too simple or too fancy. 

It identifies me 
Says who I am 
To Strangers 
And to those I love 

It is MY name 
the way you say it 
Tells how you feel about me 
Or if you are angry 

For a while 
I was also "Mom" 
I loved those years 
But I missed my name 

Now, you are ill 
You know I am here 
By grunt, groan, or signal 
I will answer your every call 

"Is it just because 
You need someone..anyone 
To help with daily tasks?", 
I ask...no answer 

I made soup today 
"How is it?" I asked. 
No answer 
"You have to admit," I say,  
"Cheryl makes damned good soup" 

A smile comes to your eyes 
That silly grin lights your face 
Your eyebrows raise as you say, 
"Who's Cheryl?" 

by Cheryl Brown 11/30/00 to Paul 
on a point of frustration 
 
 
  Slaying The Dragon Poetry