What's In A Name... - The Chicago Poetry Center

What’s In A Name…

In our first week at Perez Elementary, we got started with Mr Reinholdt’s 7th graders by introducing ourselves and talking about our names. We read two poems, both written by Foster Elementary students that I had in class last year, to get us inspired and get some creative juices flowing. They also did a little online research and looked up the meanings of their names, and then got started on their own pieces. I was so impressed with how quickly they were able to jump in and create such great work. I can’t wait to see what they come up with in the coming weeks, but for now, enjoy this week’s poems!

Mr. Reinholdt 7th Grade

My Name Karina A.

Karina is my name
my name means
pure
love
chaste
My father gave me my name
I’m outgoing
and confident, my
passion is to draw
I got it from my
dad

Alena Alena I.

My name is Alena

A ray of light

Named after Mary
Magdalene

My mom proudly gave
me my name

“Huh? How do you
pronounce it?” is what
people always ask me.

I can’t even track how
many times people have
called me “Elena”.

I used to keep quiet when
somenoe mispronounced my name
but not anymore.

To me my name means Imaginative
and grateful

My Name Christian R.

My name is Christian
it comes from the religion
someone that follows God
that’s the definition

Given by my mother
comes from her beliefs
but either way
It’s still my name

Christian
That is my name

Untitled Janiyah S.

My name is Janiyah

It’s meaning is, God is gracious.

My name has a meaning already.

But I have my other meaning to it.

My name can describe who I am.

I describe myself as goofy, I have a sense of humor.

And I never let someones ornery or disrespectful feelings hurt me