Cooking with My Fantastic Family

They Probably Think Many Things

Axel Mitchell What My Name Means

Mom thinks my name means confused or hurt. She prefers Annika but I know she loves me

Gram thinks it means compassionate. Thinks I’m still naive, sure, but I know she trusts me. And it’s okay. ‘Cause Ena called me just yesterday; she thinks it means mature. She said she always loves it when I call and talk to her Dashawn’s my little brother, he just started calling me Axel. He likes to call me lame, says my name means awkward. Janessa’s not yet two so she still has words to learn but whatever she calls me first I hope it’s important to her.

Teachers will call out “Mitchell.” I think they think my name means “that student to call on when nobody’s hands are raised,” or so it seems. Peers call me “Ax,” or “Axy,” or “Tire,” They probably think many things, I guess.

The father of my sister probably thinks my name means “brat,” or maybe spoiled, it doesn’t matter, He doesn’t know me like all that. And other students at my school who aren’t close enough to be called friends They know it’s Axel but still, they try to insist To place “Nick” in front of my Name, when there’s nothing in front of it. And they all think my name means something. They probably think many things, I guess. Sometimes I don’t think I want to know them all

And it’s not like I can tell them they’re wrong. It’s true: I am naive, and I am a little awkward. And I am a teacher’s pet: if I’m called on, I’ll probably feel honored. I just don’t think they know what my name means to anyone but themselves, because My name means not just “musically inclined,” but also “that weird kid who writes music staves next to his poetry.” It means not just “someone who goes to Pride,” but also “that queer kid who fights for equality.” I just wish they knew that my name means “warrior,” Even though I’m non-confrontational. That it means “a quiet passion,” too. If only they knew

That it means “an ambitious idealist” but also “a struggling student.” That it literally means “father of peace,” trust me, I looked it up on Google. I just don’t think they know what my name means to anyone but themselves, And certainly not what it means to me.

“Teal” Eliana Cambra/Camera

“Teal Part 2” Eliana Cambra/Camera