Persona's Packaging

By Tashreet Kaur

I have many names to my existence

the one on documents feels of a stranger

like an unfamiliar language struggling to wrap my mind

enticing no connection with my depths

there’s the one shortened to convenience

simply uttered in a single breath

no foreign linguistics to trip over

attempting no tone of affection

then you have the impetuous pet names

the ones made in the moment

with oddly fitting additions and silly rhymes

unexpectedly intriguing a smile

alas the sweetest of them all, formed with endearment

naturally settling in the hearts that truly loved and cared for me

rolling off my tongue with elegance from the accent

holding the vunerable child in me appeased

By Tashreet Kaur