Early days
You hold your baby for the very first time
Your heart stops, you are lost
Transfixed in those dark searching eyes
And you know life will never be the same
You are now a mother
Those early days are full of joy and wonder
Your heart is full to bursting, and yet
Your body is so very weary, and
Despair slowly creeps in
You are now afraid
How do you cope with the endless nappies
The constant ceaseless crying
The long sleepless nights, and oh yes
Another sink full of bottles
You are now exhausted
Yet, when that little hand curls around your finger and
You look down into those trusting eyes
You know somehow that you can do this, and
You are left with a heart full of love
You are now complete
“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