Thursday, September 24, 2009

Girl Power

My daughter has discovered the cartoon, The Powerpuff Girls. She is enthralled by these kindergarten superheroes. She asked me, "Mommy, can a girl be as strong as a boy?" So here is my poem inspired by her question. My poetic inspiration is coming from the oddest places these days :)

A Girl Can

Daughter mine opportunity
hidden in precious enclaves.

Inhale that strength
to surprise and awaken.

Tower over uncertainty
with thoughts and words.

Shake off the dust
to diamond our world.

Daughter grab hold
the summit calls.

33 comments:

Warren Baldwin said...

"the summit calls."

The only limitation on our sons or daughters is their own thoughts. I have two daughter, so I am glad for any opportunity or experience for them that opens up visions of what they can be and what God can do in their lives. Good poem.

Dani said...

Great writing. Funny what can inspire us writing moms. :D If I had a daughter, and if she asked me this question, my answer would have been "HECK YES!" :) Awesome poem!

T Rex Mom said...

I love the inspiration and the words a wonderful. As always, thanks for sharing!

Judy Croome | @judy_croome said...

This is a great poem, Kelly, because it focuses on an inner strength that your daughter must draw on to answer the call of the summit (I love that line).

What bothers me about the post-feminist age is that the concept of "power" for women is being misintepreted. Rather than being a recognition that power is "power over the self" (thus allowing a girl to be or do anything), too many times it is being interpreted as "power over others (especially the male). And that, of course, is as dangerous and limiting as patriarchal oppression of women was. One of the frightening statistics I picked up from researching the novel I've just sent out to agents is that, since the mid-90's, statistics show that physical bullying by girls has *increased* dramatically! I wonder if that can be traced back to movies such as "Charlie's Angels" and TV cartoons which show power for girls as a physical strength to beat up villains at will?

It's a huge responsibility for parents (particularly Moms) of daughters to guide their girls into a mature understanding of what power really is (perhaps a better word is self-mastery). That's what I like about your poem: it touches on the correct interpretation of power, encouraging your daughter to reach inward and upward to her full strength. Well Done! A really good piece!

Vickie said...

That is beautiful! I have three girls and that just fits!

May I use it on a scrapbook page. I will give you credit:)

kayerj said...

love your poem--true

My son was the one in my house that loved the powerpuff girls, even when he was a teenager.

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

I love that and you must keep it safe to show your daughter when she is older.You are very talented. Thanks for sharing it with us... Carol ad GJ x

Anonymous said...

I love this. There's authority here along with a summoning of strength and courage to proclaim the Goddess' summit. You should definitely save this in a scrapbook or journal for your daughter when she becomes a young woman.

Creativity said...

Beautiful Fabulous :D :) :) Excellent Poem Kelly Dear :) :)

Creativity said...

Hey, Good Question From Cute Girl :D

Analisa said...

Love that poem.

Debbie said...

Fabulous poem! Isn't it terrible that they even have to ask?

Corrie Howe said...

Ditto!

He & Me + 3 said...

I can't believe how easily you write. That is awesome. Your kids will love that they inspired you and you wrote poems for them. I think girls are much stronger than boys...that is why we get to be MOMS! :)

Joanne said...

It doesn't matter where the inspiration comes from, what matters is that you are tuned in to it! Love the poem, definitely a great message for your daughter.

Kringle said...

Oh I love this.. as a professor in an all Womens university (ok, the 4 yr degrees are all womens... associate and grads have coed programs here... I can relate to the power of thought, women, and the mother-daughter relationship! ;)
Thank you!

Randi said...

That last line is so powerful! You are wonderfully inspired.

H.K. said...

A powerful poem! This is a poem that every girl should read! Thanks for sharing.

Kim said...

I agree with Warren and thought this poem evoked some pretty strong images. I hope that Jillian grows up to know she can be whoever she wants. I'm sure that will be the case with a mother like you!

shabby girl said...

Very nice, Kelly. She will be able to do anything, listening to thoughts like those from her mom!

SwedishJenn said...

I have boys but when they're old enough, I'll force them to read this jewel of a poem. Thanks for inspiring and sharing xoxo

kel said...

Love, love, love this!!!

Michelle said...

Make sure she keeps reading that as she gets older. Powerful!

Judith Ellis said...

Beautiful, Kelly! Yes!

Teri said...

Girl power, babeeee! It's so important that we build up our girls so that they feel as important as boys...as they should. Love the inspiration.

Ana - The Writer Today said...

I love the title of the post and the poem. My daughters (now 23 and 13) enjoyed watching this show as well. I am Buttercup, my 23 years is Bubbles and my youngest is Blossom. Somewhere each of us has some characteristic of these super heroes that we identify with.

Thank you for sharing your poems and writing.

sgreerpitt said...

Such a wonderful response to your daughter's question. I particularly like the lines:
"Shake off the dust/to diamond our world."

Amias (ljm and liquidplastic) said...

I can't wait for a female president! Might not be in my lifetime because I am old, but I know it will happen.

Thanks for dropping by.

Don said...

Yes, honey. But only til your twelve.
Then you have to out-smart them.

And that's even more fun!

Becca said...

I could definitely see her watching that show. She is all about girl power! What a beautiful poem, something she should be reminded of as she grows.

G. B. Miller said...

Nice poem.

My daughter never really got into the show, and I've only watched it sporadically, mostly for the villian MoJo GoGo.

Jenners said...

Oh I love it! What a lovely poem with such a good message. I think you'll find inspiration in all of your children at one point or another!

Gerri said...

Wow---"inhale that strength"