My daughter is growing hair
You know, “down there”
So we sat and talked about
Transitions
We talked about breasts and deodorant
About mood swings and not smelling rank
We even read a book about
Transitions
My bittersweet thoughts of my girl growing up
Interrupted by her saying that it needs to stop
Because she’s really a boy in
Transition
The feelings she had, now identified
A revelation that she could no longer hide
And so she wanted to
Transition
My bittersweet thoughts turned to fear
This went against beliefs I hold dear
What did I do wrong to warrant
Transition
But this wasn’t about me and my happiness
It was about my sweet child and their completeness
So I took a deep breath and researched
Transition
We went to the doctor and talked to the priest
We went to the mall, to try on clothes, at least
My love for my child would get us though
Transition
Acceptance is hard, some days I’m not there
Bittersweet thoughts in my head still flare
But my child’s on a journey, how can I not care
We can adjust to change, no need to despair
So proud of my child as we begin to prepare for
Transition
This poem was written for Patrick’s Pic and a Word Challenge #237 – Transition. It is a work of fiction – my children haven’t expressed any gender or sexual preferences so far. I hope that if they do, I would be able to live up to the open acceptance I have characterized in this poem.
I want to believe that human love is unconditional, but I know that isn’t true. Even our love for our children isn’t unconditional – we expect something back, whether it’s obedience or taking care of us in our old age. Still, I hope to show my children that love can transcend and transform any difficult situation.
With the pandemic and calls for racial justice continuing, let’s not forget that this is also Pride Month. Love is love! Intersectionality should be a part of any process seeking true justice and equity.
EDITED 6/22/20 4 PM – I forgot to link this post to Kate’s Friday Fun request for our favorite sayings (this is what happens when inspiration wakes you up at 3 AM!). I don’t actually have a favorite saying, but I do collect sayings that I resonate with me. This saying, I think, was an unconscious inspiration for the poem above:
“Love can change a person the way a parent can change a baby- awkwardly, and often with a great deal of mess.” ― Lemony Snicket, Horseradish
This saying has also made a home in my mind lately. I’m not sure if it’s leasing the space or if it’s there to stay…
“I have accepted fear as part of life – specifically the fear of change... I have gone ahead despite the pounding in the heart that says: turn back....” ― Erica Jong
I hope it’s here to stay….
©️ 2020 iido
I Do Run 