For most humans
belonging is tied to names
passed through generations
by fathers and mothers.

Unless orphaned or divorced
a name can ascertain
from birth to death
who we are or are not
and shame us or make us proud?

A name can be all we need
to belong proudly and pass it
on to those we love
or to separate and divide us.

The feeling of belonging
is in a name's historical roots
it can elevate or diminish
and in shame, choose
not to belong to their name.