Spared
At the mall today
almost lost you
didn't hold your hand
wasn't my weekend
your father
held it tight
so small at four
in the café
bought you juice
Did the man
see you sit
at your table
did you see him
solitary
at his table
next to madness
demons in his head
rifle in his bag
Rambo for a day.
Four minutes
You
get in the car
he shoots a girl
your waitress
who gave you juice
shoots others
coffee in their cups
you
next to your dad
in the car
exit
him
close
in the car park
more shots
Bang
Bang Bang Bang
Bang Bang
Bang
finally
for himself
BANG
Did you hear
The radio reports
seven dead
your father
on the phone
no words
I knew
you were there
four minutes
to spare
“A gender-equal society would be one where the word ‘gender’ does not exist: where everyone can be themselves.”*
I’ve always been aware of gender conditioning and actively tried to combat any lingering prejudices or stereotypes in my own parenting, even down to encouraging dolls with my boys when they were little. It’s great to read people writing about gender issues they’re experiencing with their kids. For too long these subjects have been discouraged or silenced. I’d love to publish some more creative writing on this topic, especially if you are struggling with a child who actively tries to move away from gender normative preferences. A society where everyone can be themselves – thanks Gloria for those aspirational words.
* Gloria Steinem