Namesake

Sometimes I long for a name

like Rebecca or Katherine or Elizabeth

that would grow throughout my lifetime



But I can be none other than Sarah,

not Becky or Kate or Liz.



Then I look to my namesake,

    Laughing in Doubt

        Then

    Laughing in Joy



All the world blessed through the tiny seed buried

deep within her fallow soil.

Tainted by salted tears

    Flowing-

    Rinsing away all hope



So she laughed.

Its echo resounds throughout the centuries

And pierces my heart.

Its flesh bleeds by the identical saber of doubt.



And though Sarah planted an indestructible weed,

God brought forth her seed as an unyielding oak.



Overwhelmed by joy, she burst into delight

Once Again.

Naming her promised son Isaac: 'Laughter.'



My wound knits whole by the salve of joy.



And I no longer long for a name.