Lines To Be Read Aloud on International Women’s Day at a School Assembly

^[1]112 words

What would you like to do, dear little girl,
When you grow up? Something with animals
Or children, perhaps? Schoolyard love soon palls
And that scary blank expanse you see unfurl—
Look closer: it’s a blueprint for a sort
Of intangible palace you’re supposed to build
Around yourself. Then, at last, when you have willed
It into being (no hurry; women fought

To clear a wide array of paths for you), 
A man will come along who wins first place
By coming last. Experience motherhood
If you would like. Though newcomers outdo
You in those stakes, fear not, it’s not a race;
Don’t let your privilege blind you to the good.