BABA BLAKE

BABA BLAKE

Born Ann Beth Foutz, self-named

BaBa in toddler baby-talk babbling.

Soon adopted, Ann Beth Drinkwitz;

New dad fondly called me AB.

Played with initials, inserted Carol,

To sequential alphabet: ABCD.

And to mimic physician uncle,

Inserted Marie to form ABMD.

Family members always, not just in 

Reprimand, called me Ann Beth.

Friends assigned nicknames, Grace (for 

Kluziness) and Cheyanne (shy Ann).

Nephew initiated, followed by niece 

And their friends, unitary, Auntie.

When marriage approached, decided 

To choose own surname to honor

Maternal grandfather's importance

In ongoing development: Blake,

Resulting in monosyllabic Ann Beth Blake.

Name change in time for terminal degree.

Exploring maternal Karlsson family ties,

Possible nom de plum, Britta Anna Karlsson.

During recent team-building exercise, 

One more definitive iteration: BaBa Blake. 

Ann Beth Blake

(C) October 15, 2013