Song of Solomon

June 15 2012

My grandfather was Solomon.

A good 19th century name

for a man who would practice law,

judicious moderation

in life, and habit.

The patriarch, looking back;

which may be the perfect word

for a man more stern

than tender.

I like Biblical names,

Old Testament prophets

scholars, and saints.

They are not disposable

in and out of fashion.

They have gravitas

story, attached to them.

Solomon, of course, threatened to halve the child,

an inspired test

of motherhood.

So a name that implies

wisdom

parental love.

I am sorry

a family name

with such dignity and weight

has been lost to succession,

the branching branch

the begats, and descendants.

His own children, my father.

My brothers, and cousins

their respective sons.

And me

unmarried, middle-aged

with none to name.

Four generations, and he remains unhonoured.

To be in fashion

is to become obsolete,

the price we pay for novelty.

As we look back, and laugh

“what were we thinking

in those shoulder pads, baggy pants

fat – or skinny – ties?”

Faddish names, no less.

So may the  future rehabilitate

Biblical names,

resurrect

the names of our fathers.

Let Solomon rule,

son of David

ancient King.