The Two Names I call Myself

The Two Names I Call Myself is a poem about the quiet tension—and harmony—between the two sides of me: Kiersten and Kiki. Kiersten is the observer, the shy one who watches the world closely and speaks only when it matters. Kiki is the louder voice, the one who shows up smiling, gets invited in, and makes people laugh. This poem gave me space to explore how both names hold truth, how both identities live within me. Sometimes I wear one like a mask, but over time I’ve realized they’re not so separate after all. I wouldn’t trade either—because together, they make me whole.

First Day of School as Kiersten

The Two Names I Call Myself

By Kiersten (Kiki) Pape 

The world thinks you’re scared when you are shy, but that wasn’t the case.

I was an observer—

and it was a part of me.​​ 

The world felt loud, and my voice wasn’t needed. 

The change of my identity felt forced 

but was necessary for survival. 

Someone close by, 

whom I admire,

Whose identity shares the same name. 

We try to be different, 

but we appear to be the same. 

I put on her mask, and her name is ____.

I love her,

but she isn’t entirely who I am. 

She makes others laugh. 

She gets invited to parties. 

I am shy and quiet,

 but that is someone I don’t introduce to others as often.  

When I put on her mask, 

I realize—

We wouldn’t trade places for the world.