Daughter Redefined
Five feet.
Three inches.
125 pounds.
Ten years old.
Andy gave her a nickname.
I was mortified when he suggested it,
Thought it was offensive.
Of course,
She loves it.
Boss.
It’s not something she would want you to call her, but us — the ones who share a house and breathing space with her — we’re allowed to use it.
I don’t use it.
Boss.
What mother wants her little girl to be called Boss?
Sweet.
Tender.
Gentle.
These are the words to describe a daughter.
But not this daughter.
She defines herself.
Strong.
Demanding.
Bold.
Confident.
Self-Assured.
Boss.
She’s redefined my vision.
And,
I will always be
grateful to be a mom to
Boss.
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She sounds awesome! I'll take “boss” any day – we need strong women in this world!
I loved how you showed this reshaping as your poem went on. I especially enjoyed seeing Boss in bold and how it seemed to change over time based on the lines around it as well.
It's lovely to hear something strong that defines a girl, Ruth. I'd like her to be kind too, but that other part is important too. I like that you told your (her) story in a poem. Nice!
This is awesome. I love those strong, demanding, bold, confident, self-assured girls. They don't let boys define who they are–or their friends either. They stand up for themselves and usually for others too. WOuld love to have her in my class!
Through the love she has known she grows to be Boss. Someone has to be the boss, so it might as well be your girl. 🙂
Ruth,
I have a boss too. Some days I worry, but most days I say THANK YOU. She believes in herself, does as SHE see's fit and is happy! (I just hope her and I have the same ideas some day… It's hard to parent a strong girl)
I think I have a budding boss in my house. Girls need to be strong so I think it's ok…