An Indian said, 'I have one name
And all my tribe are just the same
Why do I need a second name?'
Aghast, I hurried to explain
I think a dog needs just one name
But if you add the family name
On it's dog collar, or a picture frame
Is lost and found just the same?
I really don't know how to begin
How would you name, if you had twins?
Like the Chinese, call them one and two
Number one son? Yes that would do.
We like to add a family name
When a child is lost at the airport
We can call the name of the mother
That is just my first, and second thought
Historically they passed a law
To change from one name as before
So they could tax, count folks, find more
No second, same name, on the door
A million Mohammeds, a million Patels
Would cause lots of confusion
And lots of Mister Wongs in Hong Kong
Checking passports, no conclusion
In the modern world you see
You need two names, don't you agree
Don't end up all confused, like me
But have your own identity
But you will have a better life
If husband shares a name with wife
A proud family, share a name
Children and parents, just the same
Then strangers say, I knew your mother
I know your father
I've met you brother
Was she your sister? How we've missed her!
And if you do not like your name
Or want to escape your reputation
You have a second name to use
Did you like my explanation?
Did I fulfil your expectation?
A second name reveals your nation
You can copy the name of a film star
Add another name, you'll go far.
-ends-
Copyright Angela Lansbury 27 March Wed 2024
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