Tony and/or Tonee by Nguyen Minh Tri | One Poem Only

One Poem Only is a daily ritual: one poem, center stage, just for now.Tony and/or ToneeNguyen Minh TriThe "y" is a hook, a barb in the ground,A heavy-set anchor, a masculine sound.It carries the dust of the fathers and sons,My father and his son.The weight of the "Tony" who follows/ who runs,A name like a suit that is tailored too tight,Designed for the sun, yet afraid of the light.To them, it’s a letter/ to me, it’s a wall,A clanking vibration that makes me feel small.But look at the "e"s: how they mirror, how they gleamA twin of silver, the space in between.Tonee is a lift, a soft-rising key,The "ee" is the breath of the person.It isn’t a label, it isn’t a chore,It’s the clicking of locks and the opening door.How do I tell them the "y" is a ghost?A version of me that I’ve long demoted.How do I tell them the "e" is the spark,The fun and the fire who glow in the dark?It’s not just a spelling, a quirk, or a claim,It’s the pulse in my throat.It’s my name.It’s my name.More from Nguyen Minh Tri ↓@tonywith2e on Instagram@tonywith2e on SubstackSupport + Stay Connected to OPOIf you’d like to support the show, Substack and Patreon members receive a copy of my book, For My Daughter, along with episodes from the audiobook.Feed yourself poetry every day.