Dear boy,
You were taught that you’d die without a woman
To take care of you
Good boy
Hold everything inside
Until you are ready to burst
Burst from all the anger inside
Don’t let your weakness show
Because you’re a man
And men don’t show their weakness
Be strong
Stay silent sweet boy
Even though chasing all those dollar bills
Makes you want to break down and cry
You were taught that the money that you make
Is your value in the world
Put your head up boy
And follow your heart
You don’t need anyone to hold your hand
And you don’t need to chase that paper
Do what you love
And the one who is yours will find you
And love you for you
Not for all that money in your bank account
And speak up when it hurts
You deserve it, boy
To share your every hurt and fear and emotion inside
You’re everything
Bright as the stars in the sky
Don’t forget to live with your heart in this life
Dear girl,
Once upon a time
You were taught that a man would complete your life
You were taught to stay quiet
And meek and humble
And be a good girl
Don’t express those loud angry opinions
Stay silent
And be a good girl
Listen to mom and listen to daddy
Get good grades
Don’t ask for more than you have
Be grateful and kind
Respectful and earnest
Humble and sweet and carry all the burdens
If your husband is lazy
And he doesn’t treat you kind
At least you’re not single
Alone for the ride
You have kids and kids to take care of
They’ll give you meaning
Oh beautiful girl
You’re more than you’ve been seeing
You exist as more than life itself
You are the divine
Meant to stand loud proud and high
Demand what you deserve
Don’t lower your voice
Because the one for you
Would never ask that of you