Beautiful nymphs on your shoulders,
quill with inkwell scribbling names:
one for honey, one for flowers and
angels that fly through the air … or
unexpected visitors who wait
for us in the extensions of “Arcadia”
You gave her a name that whispered
the Clutharachán meala or
Sadhbh
Like roaming hillsides that puff up
in the sun to meet the sky,
as resilient as a road filled with high mallow
when spherical objects try to flatten it;
it’s buoyant, rises back
A deep breath in the wind clears obstructed air,
we try to envisage why we’re given our names
* A prompt from "Poets & Writers"
Write a poem that explores how you were named and the meaning of your name, include at least one bold lie:
Pamela was a poetic invention from the 16th century.
The name was invented in the late 16th century by, the poet Sir Philip Sidney for use in his poem 'Arcadia’.
Clutharachán meala translates to "Honey Elf" in Gaelic.
Sadhbh translates to Pamela in Irish Gaelic (or so they say).
Red Wolf Journal Spring 2014, and a fresh start
10 years ago
Ooer, there's beautiful for you. (A Welsh kind of compliment)
ReplyDeleteUsually we're named after saints, celebs, or family members. Knowing origin and meaning of names is a process most ignore.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
A truly poetic poem.
ReplyDeleteVery clever poem about your name, Pamela, based on interesting research as well!
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely tribute to your name, Pamela! Did you know all of this, or uncover new treasures? I love quill with inkwells scribbling names...
ReplyDelete~Brenda
This is brilliant and beautiful, a lyrical tribute to a lovely name, Pamela!
ReplyDeleteViv, thank you:)
ReplyDeleteStan, actually my father wanted to name me, Robin, but my mother won that argument:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Tilly:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary, I knew what Pamela meant in Gaelic, but I didn't know the other bits of information.
ReplyDeleteSome new found info for me, Brenda. I didn't know about Sir Philip Sidney or the translation in Irish Gaelic.
ReplyDeleteThanks Marianne, but I feel like I am stretching myself at this point of napo:)
ReplyDeleteInteresting research, my Mum was called Pamela too!
ReplyDeleteI liked the opening, imagining him sitting there coming up with names, and how something made up for a poem would later be a name for real people.
ReplyDeleteSomething made up for a poem, as you are made to make poetry. I know that sense of stretching and sympathize, but when reading your words I am grateful you continue. Beautiful Pamela,
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
Wonderful look at your name.
ReplyDeleteShe must be a wonderful person, Andy;)
ReplyDeleteIt is an interesting story, Mr. Walker.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Elizabeth, and I am having some problems pulling it together on these last few days.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda:)
ReplyDeleteit is a melodic name
ReplyDeleteand a fitting poem =)
Thanks Janet:)
ReplyDelete