Juniper Jackal Albizu Kahlia: My Great-grandchild, A Narrative of a Name
Juniper
Gnarled and bent, Juniper trees brace themselves
At tree line as wind whips and roars through branches
Meanwhile, needles are pungent with refreshing evergreen.
The child, Juniper, will be hardy and stay true to their course
And use fresh ideas along their path.
Jackal
Cunning trickster stalking low,
Creeping behind the undergrowth,
Coldhearted, calculating killer,
Blood dripping from fangs.
Their yips and yowls, the evil
Haunting sounds of the dead
In moonlit cemeteries.
The jackal is misunderstood, maligned.
Our child with this name may be
Misconstrued, misjudged.
With their long faces, bushy tails,
And soft, pale fur, sandy-colored
Jackals look like small dogs,
But are the smartest of the canids.
Quick-witted problem solvers,
The pack plans hunts for fleet-footed gazelles,
Or dredges a pond for frogs.
Outsmarting their predator lions and tigers
During the chase, reversing their course,
Or, ducking Into tiny crannies, they escape.
Jackals’ barks, growls, yips, hisses, and howls
Keep them in touch with one another, a language.
They mate for life,
Loyal and protective of their families.
Teenagers even babysit the young.
“Grandma Linda, Grandma Linda,” they whoop
To me on the phone.
“Can you hear me? Are you listening? I have
Something to tell you.
I went on the potty today.
Listen to me, Grandma Linda. When will you visit me?
I have things to show you and tell you.”
Yes, they are a smart, quick-witted organizer.
Social, loyal, learning to be part of the pack.
Ready to meet any challenge that comes their way.
That challenge?
Juniper Jackal’s queer community can be misunderstood,
But JJ will take it all in stride.
Albizu
Willing to go to prison for resisting and advocating
Independence and freedom for Puerto Rico,
This early 20th century “freedom fighter”
Spent a lifetime demanding justice and equality
For the poor and marginalized.
Their legacy is one of exemplary sacrifices
Helping to build the Puerto Rican nation.
Juniper Jackal Albizu will pursue this dream of
Freedom and independence, justice and equality.
“Listen to ME, Grandma Linda.” They practice
Even now.
Kahlia
This Finnish surname gives Juniper
Sisu, Finnish for
Grit, determination, resilience, strength of will,
And perseverance against all odds.
If ill winds blow, they will endure.
If mean kids taunt, they will stay strong.
If teachers demean, they will challenge.
If bosses are unfair, they will fight.
If discrimination occurs, they will contest.
When democracy is challenged, they will protest.
Juniper Jackal Albizu Kahlia and other little ones
are our hope for a future
Of grace and peace.
