Mixed Identities

Just as Mother did I often
Called one child by the other's name.
Though they protested in outrage,
I sometimes hear them do the same.

I had four older brothers and
I often wondered which was which.
Mother started with the eldest
Then she would mix them up and switch.

She'd say "Lewis, Lloyd, Charlie, Glenn
Before she finally hit upon
The right name and then like as not
He had already up and gone.

I know each of my daughters was
As bewildered as she could be
Answering to Avis/Donna
Or Donna/Avis don't you see?

I only had one son and so
No confusion with another.
I went ahead and called him by
The name of my little brother.

Joey/Cliffy, Cliffy/Joey
Every time I would do the same.
"I'll never be famous" mourned Cliff,
"My own mother forgets my name."

By Joyce Johnson 8/24/03