The little boy says,
he’d like a dollhouse
The little girl says,
she’d like a Lego set
He wants to re-enact the fairytales in his book
Rapunzel with a twist
A prince calling for her to lay down her hair
And rescue him from an evil beast
She wants to build an awesome world
Unencumbered by gender
Where little girls pilot the latest crafts
And build the greatest cities
His father says no! You must be a man!
Buys him a transformer instead
His unknown dreams of being a writer
Flashing down the drain
Her mother says no! You are my little princess!
Buys her a Barbie instead
Her proclivity for invention
Fading beyond the horizon
What must a boy like
What must a girl have
When blurred lines and liberal times
Send fear down a parent’s spine
When culture and vogue collide
Killing dreams beneath their boots
The morals we pass
Should be woven around dreams
Not crashed onto talents unpursued
And though difficult it may be
When gender lines dissipate
Whatever we may believe and want to impart
A softer touch goes the longest way
Kindness leaves the deepest mark
Understanding shapes the brightest talent
ยฉ judeitakali
Be sure to check out the 4th edition of my weekly feature here;
The Saturday Symphony
It’s not too late to get involved.
Stay safe everyone, stay inclusive
Your poem echoes my thoughts Jude. It’s time we changed the mindset on the gender roles.
Happy that more people are bringing out this aspect today ๐๐ป๐๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, we need to weave religion and culture around equality
LikeLike
This a very well thought and well written poem. We should actually rise above the gender based role and discrimination and let people decide what they want to do based on their passion and not on gender
LikeLiked by 2 people
I totally agree but I think it’s traditions and religions that need to evolve to equality
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, aspirations and interest should be of relevance, for one’s choice. Well written, Jude. ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Kitty, I guess keeping a closer eye on the little ones can ensure we guide them whenever they pick an interest
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s true, Jude. ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is lovely – I especially like the last two lines: “Kindness leaves the deepest mark, Understanding shapes the brightest talent”.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, I’m glad you appreciate this๐ผ๐ธ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very insightful, Jude, and so agree with you. To allow a child to pursue his or her OWN dreams according to THEIR heart’s desires is the greatest Gift a parent can give. To be forced to be someone we are not is not the way for it only brings confusion, pain, and setting a child on the wrong path. What a different world we would live in if all parents gave each child the freedom to choose, with guidance of course, what his or heart desires. So much unhappiness has been created by putting children into boxes they don’t fit. Awesome post, dear friend. This one really struck home. I had to find my own path later on in life. I know what it is like to be forced in a box I was not meant to be in. Now I am OUTSIDE all boxes!! xo
LikeLiked by 3 people
I know, I too used alot of time doing what was wanted for me. It’s not nice at all when you follow your passion years behind others
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very well written, Jude. We shouldn’t label people based on their gender. I’m totally with you on this. Rapunzel saving the prince from a terrible beast! I loved it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I totally agree. Maybe its the rainbow movement that scares many a parent ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
That and other stuff too, I guess
LikeLiked by 1 person
beautifully written โบโบ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Era
LikeLiked by 1 person
you’re most welcome โบโบ
LikeLiked by 1 person
๐ Loved the poem! Children must be free to choose their path, trying to chain their dreams would be limiting the immense possibilities!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree. Guidance and not instruction
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are great. Thank you for writing this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Gabriella for your support ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure ๐ธ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gender bias and gender roles are still prevalent in our World. In some ways we are so progressive, in others, so far behind. Thank you for writing this, jude. Great work!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Rishikar, it’s still a long road but we are walking and running it now
LikeLiked by 1 person
Much needed aspect when growing up is to get rid of gender stereotyping. Great post, Jude!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Anisha, cheers
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well said. We’ve got a long way to go though. (K)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you K. At least we are on the path now
LikeLike
I love this, Jude. What you said here is true.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Michaela. I’m glad you agree ๐๐ผ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow that so thought provoking. A different perspective, a question that I always have in my mind.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, yeah it has many variables but the last three lines should be constant at the least
LikeLiked by 1 person
True
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true… Nice little tale here…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Kindness leaves the deepest mark
Understanding shapes the brightest talent”
So, so true and so effective
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much T.N, I’m glad you appreciate this. It’s very heartfelt
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes Jude little children and their talents are surely crushed and we must keep them go ahead with their talents besides studies too. Such a beautiful and lovely poem. Too good ๐๐๐๐๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you ๐ I’m so glad you agree
LikeLike
Welcome Jude a wonderful poem ๐๐๐๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exquisitely penned piece of poetry ๐๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Grace, this one was close to my heart
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person