A Name's Power



It’s said a rose by other name
Would still have fragrance fair.
The sign may change, but still the same
The substance still is there.

But time before all time began
And voidless was the void,
The word came forth, not yet made man,
And void became devoid.

For words have strength to mend and tear
To make and then unmake.
From mouths of men unto their ear
Creation lies at stake.

For names are given to nameless things
And fitting may they be.
A form is given a name that sings
-- Purpose for it to be.

And thus, the names that men are named
Can mold and shape their lives
They make the men that books have famed
Their legacies survive.

About this poem

I wrote this poem to explore the importance of the words we use and the names we give or are given.

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Written on March 21, 2024

Submitted by nemorian on March 21, 2024

40 sec read
87

Quick analysis:

Scheme ABAB CDCD BEXE FGFG HXHX
Closest metre Iambic tetrameter
Characters 641
Words 136
Stanzas 5
Stanza Lengths 4, 4, 4, 4, 4

William Langley

 · 1993 · Ohio

I am a soldier that loves to study philosophy, history, and poetry. I decided to try my hand at it and would love feedback. more…

All William Langley poems | William Langley Books

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Discuss the poem A Name's Power with the community...

6 Comments
  • delano
    Nice
    LikeReply29 days ago
  • jonsaviours
    Very poetic, I like it.
    LikeReply1 month ago
  • Vixility
    Love the philosophical import this poem presents: reminds me of Philo’s concept of the Logos. Also appreciate the rhythmic pattern, the cadence and the diction used to impart the poem’s point.
    LikeReply8 months ago
  • susan.brumel
    Very interesting read! Congratulations!
    LikeReply8 months ago
  • mattmflanders
    This poem actually drew me into it, both aesthetically and as something to contend with. I enjoyed thinking about this poem and it was the one I felt myself returning to. This is why I voted for it. Good work. 
    LikeReply8 months ago
  • NubianFantabulous
    I enjoyed the subject, phrasing, and rhyme-rhythm of this piece. Sure seems like a winner to me. It had a great cadence as I read it.
    LikeReply8 months ago

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"A Name's Power" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 Dec. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/184923/a-name's-power>.

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