Moonman and the Swan Princess

I was standing in the kitchen feeling a bit dull, dishwater cooling in the sink, the washing still waiting.

The dreariness was about to set in for the day when the gate at the side of the house squeaked open.

That someone was Moonman.

Brightening into a full body smile, I went eagerly to open the back door. Moonman greeted me laughingly — "Hello, Ms Unreliable."

I watched as he found a comfortable place for his companion and spiritual advisor, the Swan Princess, settling her floatation device with the care it deserved.

Once done, we went inside for cups of tea and a saucer full of stories.

"What shall we call you?" said Moonman, eyes twinkling with mischief.

"I don't know," I said, laughing. "It doesn't matter, it's just a name — how about Ms Unreliable?"

How wrong I was. As everyone who understands naming magic knows, a name can be powerful. It can shape you, make people who have never met you form preconceptions. I didn't know it then, but in naming it, I had summoned a self that was lurking in me, waiting for form.

Be careful with names. Don't call them out recklessly or give them away lightly.

We settled in. Moonman had stories to tell.