Name

My name feels foreign in my mouth.

It’s heavy + sticky

There are days when it flows freely

+ gently

Mom’s coquito on Christmas.

Today, it’s aggressive. It’s taking a stand.

A stand for what?

Against what?

Today is it without subtlety

+ softness

It does not flow but lands with a thud.

Today, it is a burden.

An inconvenience when asked.

A reason to stay quiet.

With its thick vowels,

+ no sir I don’t have an accent

+ yes sir I am from New York

+ yes I am sure this is how it’s pronounced, my name.

All three syllables.

With or without your voice on it.

Soon, it will come with ease.

Today, it is heavy.