Naming

believing in the power of words and sounds
makes naming a searching, seeking task:
a projection of untold futures relying on the single, simple choice,
a first test of new parents' stewardship,
the setting of another's course.

i remember this uncertain choosing
from vying visions:
a gentle field, an ornery smile, an ascending melody,
a strong handshake, deep eyes, deliberate puzzle-piecing;
but when the sounds lined up rightly
and the vision focused clearer,
smiles lightened our hopeful faces
because you were named.

but those many other options did not erase at the decision,
though they are unheard when i address you.
the candidate names,
on folded paper in irrelevant books,
on sticky tabs no longer referenced-- even removed,
remain within
my inflection of your name.

you are familiar as 'harper sequoia'
but your 'harper' resounds of the others:
the 'ea', the 'soren', the 'lillian', the 'shayer', the 'mae'.
you are 'ancient melodies',
but your music carries stronger
with undertones of severe, bright lights,
sacred vows and fragrant flowers,
of migration and home.
these, too, are discreetly folded into your name,
unheard by others, saving we who named you.

you are familiar as 'jack rainier'
but your 'jack' carries the others:
the 'priya', the 'asa', the 'maren', the 'alona', and the 'rose'.
you are 'gracious and wise',
but your grace resounds deeper
with whispers of beloved, healing hands,
a silent star in a dark sea,
of back-lit oak trees at dusk,
and the sweetest, old flower.
these, too, are discreetly folded into your name,
unknown by others, saving we who named you.

this hopeful steward is relieved in knowing
naming is not as final as first supposed.
since the others add a layered meaning,
the course set includes those not intoned.