Little girls, little girls,
Made from all things nice, we’re told.
Emotions often uncontrolled.
Pink and sparkly,
Often arty.

Sugar and spice,
Girls cost a price,
Meek and mild,
A well-behaved schoolchild.

Fairy tales and dress up,
Make believe and make up,
Ponytails and polkadots
Plays mummies with a dolly cot.

Maybe they are, maybe they’re not.
But if this all you see
Then you’re missing a lot.

Little girls, little girls, 
Confident and courageous,
Determination that’s contagious,
If self-belief is encouraged
You will always see them flourish.

Tender heart but robust
Someone you can always trust.
Logic when the world’s absurd.
Her sense of justice undeterred.

Intelligent, a top tree climber
Don’t ever let the world define her,
She can do it on her own,
With vision and grace to be shown.

Copyright  © Sophie Harrington (2016)

Also read Little Boys or try Slow Down