What's in a Name?

By luigi_pagano

Mon, 16 Mar 2015
  • 1963 reads
8 comments
 

What's in a name? a man we call a rogue
by any other name would still be a villain;
so his accomplices would, by association.
Retain this clear definition in your mind
when you’re told that he is the Godfather,
that he is a person devoted to the family
with the attributes implied by that name.
He dons the mantle of strict respectability
but that cloak hides more sinister motives.
He will tell you that his family business
is no one else’s business. “Our thing,
Cosa nostra” is his organisation’s motto.
Yet their ‘thing’ impinges on us all;
the Mafia extend its tentacles far and wide
and spreads misery all over the globe.

© Luigi Pagano 2015

Certificate U
Poem
Mutevoli pensieri
Crime
Miscellaneous
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

An original take on this, Luigi, and brilliant for the I.P.   Many a true word is written in a poem.

Anyway, hope things are well in your world, at present.

Tina xxx

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

If I am honest, Tina, it isn't actually based on an existing myth or poem but on a play but the inspiration point gave me the impetus to develop this particular theme.
You always seem to come up with a perfect answer to the challenge which is received with warm approval. Congratulations. 
I am keeping well, thank you.

Luigi xxx

 

Submitted by prettyrose on

smileyHi Luigi, I am glad your keeping well!! This is a strong,powerful poem and I could not stop reading it, 3 times in factyes.Also I learned something new which is always good, The meaning of "Cosa Nostra" The Sicilian Mafia, so thank you for that!Good Luck with IPsmileyAnd love the pic.

 

Take Care

Trish

x

smiley Keep Smiling

Keep Writing xxx

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

The picture, Trish, illustrates the tentacles of an octopus, one of  the names by which the Sicilian Mafia is known. The Italian translation of that noun is 'piovra' which also means 'exploiter'. Rather appropriate, I would say. Glad you liked well enough to read it three times. Thanks a lot.

Luigi xxx

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

You make the point well of those who try to hide under a cloak of respectability and pleasantness and a nice name. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

The irony, Rhiannon, is that the Mafia - before  Sicily had a proper police force - was intended to provide protection to the peasants from robbers and rustlers. For this they charged a fee, hence 'protection money'.
It then degenerated into banditry and became a criminal syndicate especially with emigrations to the USA.
The term 'family' became a misnomer for those organisations.

Thanks for reading and commenting.
Luigi x

 

 

Submitted by Ray Schaufeld on

I like your example Luigi. 'Sinn Fein' is similar in meaning. The English translation is 'ourselves'. I don't think they are all baddies but some of them may be involved in stuff and feel they are trapped in a few tentacles if they want to leave...Very apt picture.

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Thanks for that snippet of information, Elsie.
I suppose that in their own way those groups looked after the interest of their member. Though their motives may have differed, it is odd that they dispensed  'justice' in a violent manner. Your comment is very much appreciated, thank you.

Luigi x