Changeling

Even in its two word form
Chopped short to discover
If it drums into the air
The same beats as its
predecessor. The fuss
Is part of the fusion
Brought about by
Dissection and a
Bit of omission.

It is short
Like I would want it
To be floating in
The manna of my
Mother's womb. It is
Not a big deal as
You would think
Preparing for a test
Or entering a territory
At a friend's behest
Ending up squirming.

It was just a name
That I assumed was mine
From the first half breath
And then some more. Until
I felt the stalk of voices
And bear hugs that trailed me
Like a lost pup in the lion world.
It was just a name
That got changed
Like broken rice
In water.
There was love in it
Probably. People found love
In it but I was resigned.

You knew that name
And you know this name.
Choose what you will
Then forget if you want.

I am my name and I am not
In it to die with the letters arranged
Decades ago. Forget my name
Like you would forget the lushness
Of baby skin once you are out of it.