Not By Any Other Name

My name is strong

Solid


A blockade protecting me

Expressing me

It is harsh when it needs to be


But soft and comforting

In times of sorrow

A head-banging, loud, confident name

An easily whispered one


It flows and ripples until the end
and sizzles to a finish


It will jolt you like a knife in the back


When you know there's something wrong

Or brings tears to your eyes

If spoken like the name of a winner

It bites

It heals

It stands alone

My name is Alex

2013