NAMES

                                                                          NAMES

                          NAMES

What is your name, the stranger asked?

I told him Baldwin, as he went on past.

I thought to myself later that day,

What’s in a name, what does it say?

By your name you are known, for good or bad.

Your name, you inherited from Grandpa and Dad.

Some names are glorious, some trip off the tongue.

Some known for evil, and some, heroes unsung.

One thing I’m sure of, as sure as can be

I want no one to steal my good name from me.

Not Father or Mother or Daughter or Son,

Will tarnish the name our family has won.

When I think, can I sin a little today,

I think of my name and temptation goes away.

Your name is something to cherish and praise.

Children with a good name, we hopefully raise.

Don’t steal another’s good name, no way.

By gossip or lying or whatever you say.

Let your name be integrity and consideration,

If it is, you will be known throughout the nation.

As one whose name is as good as his word,

Not someone just shouting, his voice to be heard.

If your name is good, you are solid as gold,

People will trust you, your confidence hold.

A good name means a lot in temporal things,

But think how much more, when an angel sings.

When you have gone past the veil and shut the door

And you face justice for your name, only once more.

Were the people on earth very proud of you?

Did you do all the things you said you would do?

Did the name you carried make you very proud?

Did you ponder these questions as you passed by a cloud?

Will you always remember as you go through the day,

Your name could be blemished by the things you say?

Or it might be revered by those you meet,

By the way you act, and not some heroic feat.

A name you are given at the time of your birth,

The name you’ll be known by while here on earth.

That name may be changed in the heavens above,

As we pass through the gates to our Father’s love.

Be proud of your name and the works that you do.

By that name you are given, we will all know you.

In England our name means “Bold Winner:” they say.

Don’t tarnish the name that you’re known by today.

W.R. Baldwin

16 March 1993
THE COAT OF ARMS SHOWN AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE IS THOUGHT TO 
BE CONNECTED TO MOST OF THE BALDWIN'S IN THE UNITED STATES.