Two ways
to bake a cake
with help
means bits out of order
shells dropped in with the eggs
and onto the floor
on top of the flour, spread from one end
over bench, over sink, over bowl
small hands and faces smeared
like paint on warring natives
or, alone
when the measurements are weighed
easily as summer’s breeze
carefully as a cat’s leap
and the mixing’s done in sequence
and the right direction
though you know they never should
those cakes don’t taste so good
“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