call and response

my names mean 

truth

victory 

and joy

each syllable conveys a different sentiment

mainly praise 

always invoking ancestors that recognize me as theirs

they look out for me 

shield me via scripted metal

and clay beads

true sweetness in my aligned choices have led to several victories 

in the midst of perceived chaos 

seeking out peace in the center of my own storms

i arrive back to myself

bouncing back quicker

a little more malleable

because someone said that sweetness requires discernment

and i’m taking that to heart

to start 

with what my names are

who gets to call me what 

who gets to praise me

who gets a response

because not everyone deserves

my truth

my victories

or my joys.