The Na before the Tasha

"The way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth."

From the beginning he knew my name.

Not the shortened version,

The whole damn thing.

And he doesn't say it with attitude like you did.

And he doesn't make me feel bad like you tried to do.

But he doesn't quite understand why I smile when he starts forming

The Na before the Tasha.

I thought I never liked my full name

But it was you saying it that I didn't enjoy.

With you're condescending nazzley voice yelling down the hall.

Making me feel worthless and embarassed.

Making me think I shouldn't act like myself in public.

Letting me know a guy like him would never want me.

Never say my name the way he does.

Never understand what goes on in my brain.

You were wrong about all of it

And that's why I smile when he looks me in the eye,

And starts with the Na before the Tasha.