Too profound for a housewife making everyday shopping trips
Or visiting the bank to cash a check.
Too memorable to ask, “What was your name, say again?”

It rolled off her tongue
And into my brain
Reserving a permanent place in my thoughts.

She might have been a British detective,
A member of the House of Lords
Or Dame Commander of The Empire.

Her name rings with full authority
Pushing aside any thought of the
Commonplace.

Capable of great compassion
A name that gave weight to every emotion,
Sorrow, joy, longing, elation.
These she held at the ready
With her commanding presence.

Distinctly, without hesitation
all she needs say is her name.
The Ordinary evaporates.

“Hello,
I’m Charlotte Templeton.“

Charlene James-Duguid
Amissville, Virginia