Namely, 59

NAMELY

eponyms (EP-uh-nimz)

words based on or derived from a person's name.

First Known Use: mid-19^th century

“What’s in a Name?”

Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, 2.2­­

59: dahlia: a large colorful, thickly petaled flower (Named by Carl Peter Thunberg after his close personal friend, Anders Dahl, 1751–1789, an obscure Swedish botanist; first known use of word, 1835)

I thought the dahlia might convince

My wife to see me—and not wince.

But I’ve not seen her face, well, since

I brought those dahlias home to her.

I did not think this would occur—

Perhaps I should have bought a fur?

But that’s a sexist—vile—cliché!

Should never say such things—no way!

But I must win her back—some day.

Perhaps I’ll take her out to lunch—

Or stream some seasons (Brady Bunch?)—

That just might work! I have a hunch!

(It didn’t.)