Paul Hamburger

He was diagnosed
a slow learner
took forever to learn
          simple words
even then couldn't
state his name.

One day he
overheard someone say
his father's name
which was Ronald MacDonnell
and the child brightened
fondly tripped
'Papa Hamburger!'
off faltering tongue.

Now, whenever
some interested person
asks
       as adults are wont to
            bending vertically
over the child...
'what's your name, Son?'
he proudly proclaims
'Paul Hamburger!'

Although Paul is
          ecstatic
his mother still
wrings her hands.