Naming Names

Smaller than life,

the man alongside

me at the bar

seemed ashamed

of his name,

for his answer

was a long one.

 

He told me:

“it means a leather pitcher

perhaps for sack.

 

“There’s a thing outside

this former coaching inn

for removing boots.

 

“The man striking

the bell on the church

clock on the hour.

 

“Every man and my name

means everyone,

including a boat’s skipper.

 

“Spring-heeled villain

and winter spirit

or in-the-Green.

 

“Metal descendants

of the Legionaries’

bones of chance.

 

“A hand to anything

I’m master of none,

though my masters are many.

 

“In-the-box

or a sideways

looking playing card

 

“I’m a tarry-handed

salt-of-the sea,

and the earth.

 

“Or the daw you

saw on the way

to your wedding.

 

“But all it means

to you and yours

is some beans.”

 

“But I’m alright.”

he said at last,

his smile crooked.

 

We lifted our ales,

to drink to names

and what was in them.