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Pretty/Wise

by Allison Atis


"Look at how beautiful you are!"

A line usually for young girls

Not really "strong and tough"

They much complimented our curls


Unlike all the other young boys

Who were always asked

Always expected to be physical

For young girls, this would come last


I was expected to be calm

To not express rage and anger

But boys just went on and on

To proving who's the best fighter


"That's not for girls."

People told me for liking cars

But when I chanced upon car magazines

I found women, less clothed, but with faces like ours


As if it was unfortunate to be a girl

There is always that uncertainty

When boys cried or nagged or stayed silent

"Don't act like a girl, you sissy."


Every bit of injustice and inequality

Start from these things considered little

With every punch or remark

People choose not to think, but just settle


Young girls get the pink ones

Young boys get blue

I never did get clear answers

Whenever I asked if colors can change you


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