I'm fascinated by names - their history, what they actually mean - African names, Indian names, English names, Jewish names, you name it! - Jacob, Hakeem, Malaika, Daniela, Dylan, Lucia, Taiwo, Talika, Jayne. Every name has its own unique rhythm.

Writing a name poem for someone is a great way of celebrating who they are. There's also something very special about creating something for someone. It can often mean more than buying them a gift from a shop.

- It's a very thoughtful gesture.

- It can make people feel good

- make them feel special

- pump up their self-esteem

HOW TO WRITE A NAME POEM...

1) If you know the meaning of the name, write it down. If not, hop on the internet (or grab a book of names) and search for the meaning.

2) Grab a piece of paper and write down the meaning in the middle of the sheet.

3) Now, write down 5 words/images that come to mind when you think of that word.

4) Next, think of 5 things you like/love/enjoy about that person and write it down.

5) Now you have 10 words you can work with!

6) Decide what you want to use the words for. Do you want to write an acrostic poem (using each letter in the person's name to write a sentence), a rhyming poem, a freeform poem (doesn't have to rhyme), or a story even?

It's completely up to you.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AN EXAMPLE:

My friend's name is 'Geeta' which means 'Song' in Sanskrit.

List of words/images that spring to mind: a woman's voice, a lullaby, freedom, the sun, elation

What I like about Geeta: her smile, her cheekiness, her brown hair, her hugs, her thoughtfulness

An Acrostic Poem About Her...

(using some of the 10 words)

Grab me a lullaby, woman

Echo your voice through the wind.

Embrace the future. Smile its shyness away.

Tomorrow, your lips shall sing of freedom

Allowing the sun to burst through - once again.

~~~~~~~

A Freeflowing Poem About Her:

She smiles

and the sun bursts awake

flowers shake in anticipation

and the wind whistles joyfully

She opens her arms

and the world comes stumbling towards her

(a little child)

for one great big Mother hug

She sings a lullaby

and the seas calm (down),

clouds congregate,

trees Mexican wave

She is a baby's smile,

an old woman's chuckle

and deep belly-laughs.

She is brown hair

sweeping out steel cobwebs,

the cheek demanding

to be kissed with respect

the body deserving of love

She is freedom ...epitomised.

Spirit --- forever knowing.

A song, forever hummed.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I hope this has motivated you to perhaps pick up a pen(cil) or keyboard and create a name-poem (or name-story) for someone you care about.

And remember, that that 'someone special' includes you. There's nothing to stop you from writing a poem for yourself. Nothing at all. May I suggest that you deserve it? :-)

take care and happy writing!