I changed my name. as with most things in my life, and especially any literary composition, my best ideas come much later than they are needed. Though i an not sure why this particular name didn't come to me right away. Some may see this name and think that i am an uncultured swine, for "dali" spelled as it is could refer to Salvador Dali, a famous painter. On the other hand, the name sounds like Dalai Lama, a revered monk. However, neither reference has anything to do with this name.

I am Dali Llama. And it all started with a silly joke played by the love of my life. I am not sure why, but he superimposed a llama head onto a photo of me. Juvenile, yes. But i was thrilled to know that he had looked at pictures of me and thought of me outside of school. Pathetic. Anyway, from that time forward i was dali. And i loved it. An inside joke with the man i loved. A pet name even. It is very special to me. Not so much as a reminder of an old befriend, but as a reminder of a time when people cared about me. When i belonged and was loved.