When your name doesn’t fit you
Today my name legally became Polly Leanne Samuel
its a return to the name I had my first 8 years
the name given me by my paternal grandparents, my father, all his side of the family and his co-workers
Returning to the name Polly allows me to right wrongs, honor those who honored and loved me in my first years,
allows me to spend the rest of my life actually relating to my given name instead of complying in answering to it (as I was taught under duress to do so from the age of 8). It also allows me to honor the dead (my father, his parents) and one day to be buried with the name these people gave me, the name I remember with warmth, fondness, relateability and belonging.
I know its a challenge to call me by my long lost name
but I would be so honored if you would all do so.
If you do not, of course I’ll forgive you all
even if I do then to decide to call you all George
Polly Samuel (aka ‘Donna Williams’)
Author, artist, consultant and presenter.
http://www.donnawilliams.net
I acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Owners of this country throughout Australia, and their connection to land and community.
