today, monster trucks

monster trucks on television.
children's voices too close to my window.
golden dog's ears raised,
little blonde afros shifting at the sound of each boy's shrill voice,
feminine in their youth.

little boys;
little boys who will grow up to be big boys.
big boys that big girls will be expected to fawn over;
expected to marry.
big boys who won't be expected to relinquish.

but society, I don't need you to shape me.
I won't listen as you whisper, 'give it up.'

I know I will only marry the boy of a strong mother;
only he can know.
a boy whos seen his sister cry and cried for her,
a boy who knows that nothing is more attractive than humility.
I will marry the boy who sees me and stays;
the boy who knows.

but for today, there are monster trucks on television
and little boy voices outside, feminine in their youth.
maybe someday my little neighbor boys will grow up to be
big boys who know.