they tell her all the time
“you’re so pretty“
she smiles with a little sigh
and thanks them politely
but she was raised to remember
flesh is only the outer layer
what matters is the inside
how she treats others
how she behaves
and what she does with her mind
she’s been encouraged to explore
seek always to understand
act with compassion
and expand
yes…
she is lovely
but if that’s all you see
you’re missing the whole point
just watch her
and listen
she’ll take the world by storm
unafraid…she stands out
standing tall…
though she is small
fighting for her rightful place
all while defending yours
they focus only on her body
and her face
more fools they
she would explain
try to set them straight
if they would just ask her
but they’re all hung up and distracted
eyes on her outer package
and she remains defiant
forging new paths
teaching by her actions
fiercely raising her voice
bringing change to the world
showing the true value…
of being a girl
A great piece, this is great advice for both males and females. Tight
I believe it would be great for both. I only experience this world through the eyes of a woman though. So she was raised to be the fiercest woman she could in a world that often only sees our outer package
Wonderful write! Reminds me of my daughter, too. They are miraculous, aren’t they?
❤️k
I’m constantly flabbergasted that she was raised by me. They are incredible indeed!
Beautifully done.
Thank you, Thomas
Beautifully penned, Willow. In the book it belongs! Excellent tribute to your daughter, such a powerful message my friend. Amazing arrangement that fit the power of the meaning. Amazing work. Appreciate you.
Damian
She’s on an upswing now but the pandemic took the wind out of her sails. As a fellow Pisces, you know the fluidity of y’all’s fierce nature. She will rock the world. Thank you, my friend
hello beautiful Willow you did beautiful job raising and guiding such a spirit ❤️
I did the best I could. I just wanted her to be strong in her sense of self. I never was and it took a toll. Thank you, Brenda 🧡
This is so heartfelt since I have 2 girls myself. Love what you wrote about your daughter.
Given the right encouragement, girls are incredible forces to contend with. Thank you, Fia
I have witnessed this. To pay close attention to another’s entire being is to be rewarded with infinite wonders and friendships.
Your poem is so thoughtful and tender while bearing a harsh truth.
🙏💚
It’s aggravating for her to have thoughts and not be heard because they’re focused on the wrong things. Some would say it’s their loss, but its hers too. And mine. And every woman summed up by her physical attributes. Thank you, Jim
Awesome awareness of her value. It is old news, that our looks will fade and our health will wane, so what we have of value on the inside is what will sustain us. That fortitude to be a decent human even if surrounded by “less”. it is our shine, our aura, that will never fade. Sounds like she has hers intact, probably many thanks to you, dear Willow.
She’s a force to be reckoned with. There’s not much I’ve done that I’m super proud of, but raising her is top of the list. And to be honest, she teaches me now. Full circle. Thank you, Styxian
Her pedigree of character and consciousness has never fallen
far from the Tree that bore the amazing fruit she has blossomed into
Much respect always
Naaj
I have my Roots to thank for setting an example that I was honored to teach her. It always comes back to the roots. Thank you, Naaj
Your author’s note is so profound, then you followed it up with that outstanding song.
Beauty can be a curse when they don’t see who you are. Every woman bears the scars.
Your daughter was raised by an amazing woman. Her warrior spirit mirrors yours.
I only raised her so far…and the rest is her own indomitable spirit. She speaks, I listen. I am amused how often we say the same thing at the same time. She used to roll her eyes. Now she just laughs. I guess there are worse things than thinking like her mother. Thank you, girl
This is an awesome tribute to your daughter, dear Willow! You raised her in the light of the only true values that matter – sustainable values of love, peace and understanding. You must be very proud of your daughter. She is really beautiful, she has a beautiful soul!
She is my rock, my shining star, my inspiration and my greatest joy. I am indeed very proud of her! Thank you, Elke
Excellent .. I just know for sure you are both so very lucky .. just being and having each other .. write on Willow 😎🌻👍
For a long time all we had was each other. I chose to be her mother first, not a buddy. Now I have a best friend. She’s forbidden me to die. We’ll see how that goes… Thank you, Neville