Boy

I didn't realize I did this, but I

dressed you up in my mind. I pulled

your tiny arms through folds of

soft, colorful fabrics,

and tugged dress skirts down

until all the

seams fell into

place. I

ran

fingers

through your silky

curls, pulling and

plaiting, despite your

squirming and protests. I

imbued you with gentleness

reserved for tiny girl bodies

and my notions of ladylikeness.

But how different will you be, raised by

my same hand? I will still want to

dress you up and hold you close,

and rub your head the way

I rub your dad's. I'll

still talk softly

to you and

wipe your

tears

away

and my heart

will still break when

this world robs you of

your innocence. And when

all feels lost, I'll still be your

safe harbor, a soft and gentle current

of warmth in a world filled with danger.

For no matter what, you are my child.

And boys deserve mom's like me, too.