Growing Up Dana

I needed to write something fun today, so I thought maybe I'd do a second entry for Penny Fuller's "D Word Challenge." In the end, it turned out way too long, so I'm just throwing it out there for fun. Hope you enjoy it!

Of all the names she could've picked

To give a newborn son,

My mother, rest her cherished soul,

Gave me a daunting one.

***

My siblings all got normal names

And I was number four.

Perhaps she simply didn't wish

My life to be a bore.

***

I've worn it proudly all these years

Despite some ups and downs

That made my childhood interesting.

(I learned to deal with clowns.)

***

And though, today, I'm old and gray

I'm still asked to repeat

The simple, two-syllable name

To many I first meet.

***

And shown in print, as on a form,

It's often read as "Danna."

And I must patiently explain,

"One 'n,' unlike 'banana'."

***

For those who still can't understand,

Despite how slow I talk,

I usually smile and say,

"Just call me Dan, or Doc"

***

And that, of course, its often met

With "Where does 'Doc' come from?"

To which I quip, "Arizona."

Which leaves most - well, struck dumb.

***

So, I'll just say I've learned to love

The name my mother chose.

Although it's prompted me to punch

Some f*ckers in the nose.

***

(Not really, but I wanted to end on a high note.)

Thanks for Reading! - Doc