Wisdom from the Wound: The Names We are Given

Mathew Barry Holloway II

The Names We Are Given

I am named after a man that I barely even know.

Strange encounters and repressed memories make up the gaps in our history,

The naming always felt like it was more about his story than the story I wanted to tell

And still, he follows me wherever I go

As I wanted to change my name I love my name.

My name. Mathew Barry Holloway II

The weight of his—no, our legacy is both a blessing and burden I carry

I am the son

I am the second coming

his redemption.

I am telling two stories,

what it means to be him

and what it means to be me