Names

they laughed
they jeered
push came to shove
the floor was cruel

the names
were assigned to me
for minute changes
and permanent things
I had no say
no voice

I wanted to
push back
don’t – it’ll hurt
push back
don’t – it hurts
push back
it hurts – it’s ok

I laughed
they jeered
push came to shove
I fixed my footing

the names are mine
to choose
to take
to own
mine alone
and they will always
be mine

those I yearned for
those I gave up on
and those I am
are all part of
the rainbow
that is me

I have been many things
some I still am
others I cannot be
but my names are still mine

each name
a different feeling
a time, a person, a thing
but still me
all different hues
in the radiance
that is me