The Name Cascade
The same names percolate through a family like a roof leak.
And except for the Juniors and Seniors, no outsiders notice.
My mother’s father was Edward Willman
He had five daughters, so his name died.
Almost.
After what I suspect was an argument,
My first and middle names became
Edward Willman.
I have a cousin whose middle name
Is also Willman, without Edward.
Probably a compromise.
Family memory seems to die away
In three modern generations
But I balked.
So, our infant son was given
A middle name you’ll guess.
A loving infliction.
Our son called when his son arrived.
And said the middle name was Willman.
The grandfathers are pleased.
