March 2, 2024


And the Name Is . . .

Many parents will agonize for weeks to find just the right name for their new born child. Some will choose a name that they feel is distinguished, maybe a traditional family name, or the name of a famous person. The chosen name might be unique or just whatever is popular at the time. But whatever name a proud parent places on their child, the child will be stuck with it – at least until he or she is old enough to legally change it.

Some people have names where the last name is preceded my three or more names – Kiefer William Frederick Dempsey George Rufus Sutherland. (Not sure how you would fill out an official form calling for a first, middle, and last name.) There are those with just two names – a first and a last, and then there those of the music world who prefer just one name – Cher, Adele, Prince. Some people do choose to change their names, but not necessarily because they did not like the name they were given – Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Miley Cyrus.

Even if you stick with your given name, it might be shortened – Madeline could be Maddie, Mads, Maddy or Mae. (Never really understood how Robert becomes Bob or John becomes Jack.) There are names that could be a boy’s name or a girl’s name (with or without trick spelling) – Dana, Robin, Chris, Jordan. There are also names that could be a first or last name – Ray Charles, Jesse James. Names from history can sometimes seem odd simply because they have fallen out-of-fashion – Leonidas Polk.

Let us not forget the trick of being a Junior, the III, IV, V... In my case, James Daniel Hardison, Jr., sharing the same name with my father created mix-ups at times, but it was also a dead giveaway. “Oh, you must be Dan’s son.” Despite the fact that I was called Danny to distinguish me from my father. Then there was the teacher who insisted on calling all students by their “given” name. I had the choice of being called James or Daniel. Nicknames were strictly forbidden. And there are employers who refuse to use anything but the employee’s given name, first and last.

My advice to anyone struggling to find the perfect name for their child would be to choose the name you want to call the child by and make that their first name. A middle name is optional because the “official” world will just ignore it anyway.

By James Daniel Hardison, Jr.
James Hardison
Daniel Hardison
Danny Hardison
or just Dan Hardison


The Wise Owl
March 2024


February 25, 2024


Three Poems


    The Key

    Rummaging through a drawer
    I come across a key
    that I do not recognize.

    Perhaps a house key,
    maybe not this house,
    but another now forgotten.

    I should throw it out
    the locks are probably changed
    but I won't, at least not yet.

    I may need this key
    to unlock a memory
    of some other place and time.



    Looking Within

    Today I came across
    an old book of poetry
    that I had purchased
    but then forgot.

    Opening the book
    two white petals fall out –
    rose petals lightly tinged
    and pressed flat.

    So, who could have left
    this simple keepsake?
    For what reason?
    And why this book?

    My mind wanders
    filled with curious thoughts
    stirred by rose petals
    found in a book.



    The Passing Day

    The cat
    is laying in the sun
    by the window.

    Beyond the window
    dead leaves are blown about
    by a wintry wind.

    Pots that had held
    blooms of summer flowers,
    are empty now.

    The Dogwood, Crepe Myrtle,
    and Rose of Sharon
    are bare limbed.

    I stand at the window
    gazing at a world sleeping,
    waiting for the season to turn.

    The cat
    is laying in the sun
    by the window.

Dan Hardison


The Ravens Perch
February, 2024


January 5, 2024


Enchanting

  Through summer
  shades of dusty green
  has sustained the trees.

  A dazzling show
  of earthy hues begins
  when autumn comes.

  Poplars, ashes, and birches
  wear radiant saffron,
  beeches shimmering copper.

  Oak leaves turn rosy bronze,
  hickories a tweedy russet,
  and aspens buttery gold.

  Maples are honey yellow
  but can be scarlet
  or riotous red.

  A delight for the eyes
  before the coming season
  of grey and white.

  — Dan Hardison


The Wise Owl
January 2024


December 22, 2023


Star Bright



Dan Hardison


December 8, 2023


Unintended Consequence

Constructed of quarried boulders, the breakwater extends across the bay for about a mile. For those willing to make the intimidating walk across, you will be rewarded with secluded beaches, two lighthouses, and the chance to observe crabs, starfish, and maybe a seal along the way.

We checked the tide chart, so not to get stranded at high tide, and began our trek. Token, a little brown rescue dog found at a New York city subway station, came along. At almost the halfway point, Token decided to return to less challenging terrain. No matter our calls, Token never looked back, never slowed. Once we arrived back at the sandy beach where the breakwater begins, Token sat happily waiting for us.

        knowing eyes
        focused and patient . . .
        heron

Dan Hardison


Contempary Haibun Online
Issue 19.3, November 2023