I Do Not Remember My Own Name

Mar 6

I do not remember my own name.

Though my mouth’s memory still moves to its rhythm

The syllables and sounds have escaped me

Freed and on the run.

I wondered when it took leave of me?

Tired of waiting

Unappreciated and forgotten.

For some recognition.

Could it be hidden between the seats of my car

Wedged tightly in

hostage

On Tuesdays and Thursdays

Between the hours of 3 and 7.

Did it hop on the 7:01 Midtown Direct to find itself

In the arms of a lover

Whispered again and again

Loved, caressed and cared for

Exposed

as the wall of bricks it bounces off of.

And then take the IRT south to where Christopher meets Grove

and search through names long forgotten,

spoken

and then were gone.

Lately, I’ve looked for it

under the years stockpiled at my feet, so sure

I had abandoned it there.

Hoping it would call to me

so I could make amends.

Then remember once again;

and be rescued from

obscurity.

Dorri Ramati

Strength