I Gave My Name Poem by Ofentse Mercy Hajane

I gave my name to a snake
Just to discipline of its sake
I never knew what it meant
But for reasons to unbend
This creature that left a void
But vengeance is what I avoid

I gave my name to a man
Only shame he manage to earn
I paused a moment too soon
I gave out to thirst and drink on a dark lagoon
A choice they gave
But my freedom I had to save

I never wanted to name none
But only I did one
With my name it possess
But a spell it cannot recite in success
Yes! I did give my name
And that is what brings me shame.



Ofentse M Hajane