"Debbie Overmeyer" (by Jim Cummins)

Debbie Overmeyer

Once, for some official reason
or other, I asked a woman if her name
were "Debbie Overmeyer" though

I knew she was Debbie Overmeyer:
we worked at the same place,
but had just never met, officially.

No," she said. "I’’m not Debbie Overmeyer."
I smiled. ""I know you’’re Debbie Overmeyer.
We work at the same place. I’ve seen you

around. We’ve just never met, officially."
"No," she said, "you’re mistaken.
My name isn’t Debbie Overmeyer."

I stared. ""Why would you deny your name
is Debbie Overmeyer? Is it some sort
of reverse-narcissism that out-narcissisms

real narcissism, thereby rendering it
false narcissism, due to the new hegemony
of this fake-real reverse-narcissism?""

No," she said. "I just don’t like you."
Oh," I said. And that was the last
I ever saw of Debbie Overmeyer.

– Jim Cummins

Comments

[Deborah Overmeyer]

First of all that was before I married Wayne and so my last name was still officially Dubinsky. You knew that didn't you and I hate being called Debbie by people whom I have not met except casually in the work environment which can easily turn hostile. Deb is acceptable though not ideal. Miss or Ms. Overmeyer would probably be best. Names matter! But I am sorry if I hurt your feelings, Jack.

[Deb Overmeyer]

I'm "Deborah" Overmeyer and from what I recall, I had a huge crush on you but whenever we talked you fixed your eyes on the door, hoping for a better looking, more interesting, person to enter the room so you could talk to her (or him).

[Bill Cullen]

Will the real Deborah Overmeyer please stand (you) up?