Taking flight
with daddy
Nicholas, Sienna and Bethany Boo
All took a trip, with daddy too
On a rainy Saturday afternoon
They took a rocket bed flight, destination the moon
Nicholas was the one who was chosen to drive
He had started at school as he’d just turned five
Sienna jumped out to see they were ready
She had to be rescued by Boo and by daddy
Nicholas flew the bed ultra fast
There were planets and stars, solar systems whizzing past
Bethany Boo squealed in utter delight
To be coming along on such a magical flight
Finally the bed landed safely upon the moon’s crust
The pillow jet boosters giving just enough thrust
Bethany made great friends with a purple baboon
Invited to a banana filled feast that afternoon
Sienna was told that she could come too
She’d meet some flamingos, a chameleon; a colourful moon zoo
Nicholas and daddy sought adventure most daring
They fished the sea of tranquility, in search of red herring
Back on the bed they all were at a quarter to four
The stay on the moon could be extended no more
As lift off sent the travelers back to the wall
Daddy lost his grip and began to fall
As poor daddy floated and danced out in space
Sienna took the controls and set the pace
Daring and courageous Nicholas conducted the rescue
His efforts closely supported by just as brave Boo
Daddy was quickly safe aboard the flying bed
“Look out for that comet!” Nicholas suddenly said
When things looked their worst and everything seemed bleak
Sienna suggested, “Let’s play hide and seek.”
“A gender-equal society would be one where the word ‘gender’ does not exist: where everyone can be themselves.”*
I’ve always been aware of gender conditioning and actively tried to combat any lingering prejudices or stereotypes in my own parenting, even down to encouraging dolls with my boys when they were little. It’s great to read people writing about gender issues they’re experiencing with their kids. For too long these subjects have been discouraged or silenced. I’d love to publish some more creative writing on this topic, especially if you are struggling with a child who actively tries to move away from gender normative preferences. A society where everyone can be themselves – thanks Gloria for those aspirational words.
* Gloria Steinem