My mother tells me

My mother tells me why she chose my name:

It belonged to a friend, so she blesses the name.

I was young when I learned what a lie would help gain.

Your family not rich enough? Borrow a name.

The records show families that no longer remain.

Engravings on tombstones, all that’s left of a name.

There’s an ache in my bones that I now can explain.

My grandmother misses me, calling my name.

A.S. Kresnak is a mixed-race college student currently exploring their new state. They can be found on Twitter @askresnak.