You write my name on your notebook page
Bubble letters
Little hearts in the margins
Laugh when the teacher calls on you
Still staring at the carving on your desk
Say my name like you just remembered
“Fanny” rolling off your tongue
Slow
Every syllable a little adventure
You say it once
Then again like an echo
(Fanny, Fanny)
Like a secret that you’re scared to let go
You trace the curve of every silly letter
Ask me how I ever learned to love it
I shrug
Say “it’s just what they gave me”
You grin
Say “it’s perfect
Don’t change a thing”
Say my name like you just remembered
“Fanny” rolling off your tongue
Slow
Every syllable a little adventure
You say it once
Then again like an echo
(Fanny, Fanny)
Like a secret that you’re scared to let go