All I Can Be

Let me shuck off tight clothes

and bras as well,

wear jeans and boots

and comfortable attire.

I won’t cross my legs

in the approved way -

varicose veins, I say.

I will let my light shine

be good at science and math,

maybe follow the engineering path.

I’ll be a doctor and not a nurse

I’ll be anything I want –

won’t listen to that curse.

My intelligence will shine

Won’t kowtow to the line

that women must hide

light under a bushel.

I’ll wear makeup only if I want

to showcase my inherent beauty

which resides in my soul,

but just for me,

I want to please myself.

I’ll play sports with you

and win if I can

and prove

I’m as good as a man,

maybe even better,

in some cases.

If I don’t want to smile

frown wrinkles won’t worry

I’ll bathe when I want

and sweat, not perspire

It sounds rather dire!

I’ll be all I can be

and rise to the top

no glass ceiling for me

I carry my own axe,

just in case!

Now, men, how would you like

this poem to be about you?

Wouldn’t you want the same things

without being put in your place?

We have the vote

now let us have our life

and live it fully and free

but we want our men

to be equal and strong,

and in our lives,

just as we consider

ourselves to be.

But one thing won’t change

I’ll care about others

be kind and giving

and nurture my loved ones.

I’ll see your good points

and appreciate all you do

tell you your strengths

and work alongside you.