When you grow up
the world will tell you to be smaller.
To speak softer, to walk quieter.
To be seen and not heard.
To look pretty,
And speak nicely
And
Be as small as you can be.
Small is good.
Small is perfection.
But I don't want you to be small.
I want you to grow big and strong.
To have muscles to throw around all the bullies
inside and outside your own head.
To have strong legs that can take you on adventures
and abs of steel to protect,
and reflect,
all the gut punches you've got coming.
I want you to be bold.
To go after what you love.
To be kind and helpful, and take up space
and speak your mind.
When you grow up
I want you to show the world the brilliant,
wonderful,
strong,
kind,
tenacious,
beautiful human
I know you are.