What's In A Name? Poem by Mpimanyeto Mashimbye

Shakespeare wrote
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet"
This is probably one of the most beautifully phrased western notions I have ever come across

"What's in a name? "
History
Ancestry
Identity
Continuity
Solidarity
And
Immortality

"What's in a name? "
Pride
Joy
Tears
Truth
Revelation
Peace
Love
Memories
And
Mysteries

"What's in a name? "
Don't ask William
Timothy
John
Or Leonard
Donald
Nathaniel
Or Brian

Alison
Claire
Wendy
Michelle
Valerie
Or Malerie
That's just offensive to me

Ask
Mpimanyeto
Lisebo
Nomvelo
Dineo
Sthembiso
Tshegofatso
Khutadzo
Ndalamo

Abayomi
Ali
Rujeko
Vimbai
Tabia
Tahir
Zahra
And Zuwena

They will tell you
That what's in a name
Is sweeter than the scent of any rose