I want a name to be remembered.
that rolls off the tongue
so sweet…
and the name,
is always a good name,
a love-wrapped gift.
I have never wanted a legacy, at least not in the ways that people have articulated legacy-making to me. Especially the socialized male urge to want to make statues and memorials of oneself for future generations to worship/adore. Legacy is not a word that makes sense for the ways that me/myself/ and I engage the world. While legacy isn’t important to me, making the world a better place is. Objectively better for all, not just a few. I don’t need to be remembered by masses, but I hope my name is a tender balm for a few. I hope I’m a memory to somebody/somebodies.
A memory like the first time you had cotton candy. Your first wanted kiss. The memory of your favorite book in second grade. The first movie that made you cry. That birthday present that made you feel like you were wanted and worthy. Like that good cologne that pleasantly fills a room.
I want to make a good name for myself. And I work every day at this endeavor, knowing the human propensity towards selfishness and greed. I want to make a good name for myself so that my loved ones know that I loved them with my whole heart...that I didn’t leave anything on the table. I sent the texts, attended the special events, made sure they ate and drank their water. When I die, I hope that I did enough to warrant a good laugh, a good cry, and people behind me who love themselves more.
I want to make a good name for myself. A name to combat all of the other names that have been placed upon me without my consent. Reductive names like lazy, or stupid…all because I don’t fit certain norms.
“just keep swimming.” - Dory
A few Substack pieces I’ve been moved by:
a worthy poem by
and a poetic post by
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Thank you Robert, for sharing your beautiful musings. Writing from your heart, with love for all, is how you continue creating a good name. Keep going. 💜
This legacy you describe is the most extraordinary of them all. 💕💕💕