Two Poems by Daragh Fleming that have stopped me in my tracks this week. They are better listened to than read, so reminder to myself - find the clip online.
If I ever have boys
If I ever have boys they’ll be dangerous men
They’ll smile at dogs and children and be a tonic to friends
They’ll send flowers to their mother just because and they’ll be a shoulder for many when the world is too much
My boys will know that vulnerability is strength
They won’t bottle anger, they’ll learn how to express
They won’t let pride be the reason they hide, wearing masks while they’re hurting inside
My boys will be dangerous men
They won’t stay silent even when it’s uncomfortable for them
They’ll learn that their actions are more effective than words but they’ll use their voices to amplify the unheard
They’ll know that love isn’t something to perform
They’ll see beauty in all of its forms
My boys won’t grow learning to emotionally hide
They’ll reshape masculinity into something they like, make it softer to touch
They’ll know that who they are is more than enough
They’ll know that being a man doesn’t mean carrying the burden alone
They’ll learn that an emotional man is a man fully grown
They won’t settle everything with violent swings
They’ll live in truth even when that truth stings
So yeah, if I ever have boys they’ll be dangerous men
but the danger they’ll be won’t be the one society meant
--
If I Ever Have Girls
If I ever have girls, they’ll be feared by weak men.
But to everyone else, they’ll be a consistent friend.
They’ll never lack meaning,
They’ll be gentle and kind,
While breaking every glass ceiling.
They’ll take up space,
And they’ll like what they like.
They won’t be taught to reduce themselves or hide.
My girls will be feared by weak men.
They’ll demand respect because they deserve it.
They will always know love.
They’ll never feel they have to earn it.
They’ll know their value is inherent
And has nothing to do with their looks.
They’ll be leaders.
They’ll be healers.
Right wrongs, write books.
They’ll be mothers one day if they so choose.
But their value won’t be defined the the use of their wombs.
They’ll be whatever lives in their hearts,
And they’ll know dreams were there to be chased from the start.
My girls will know poetry and song.
They’ll know I will listen when something feels wrong.
They’ll learn that “women are too emotional” is an original lie,
And they’ll not grow up with a father who refuses to cry.
So yeah, my girls will make some weak men shake in their knees.
They won’t be the women that society expects.
They’ll be the women society needs. - Daragh Fleming
I've been playing around with watercolor, just for fun.
