If I were to have a son, I would name him Oleander
After the beautiful and poisonous flowers
I first recognized in Old Jerusalem,
Lining the entrance to the temple where Jesus
’s various resting stones stay, preserved in sacred silence.
Oleander, because it doesn’t sound like sudden death.
I would want my son to know not to be afraid of his beauty,
Only to be wary of his poison.
Brooklyn Birzin is a human battling bipolar disorder and gender dysphoria, so be nice.