To the boy with the bruised ego

This poem is very personal and at the time felt quite raw. For the record, the ‘boy’ could be anyone. I think it pricked at some consciences and I was glad of that though, originally, it was only penned to share with one person!

I wrote this for my daughter Mali and for any girl playing in a boys’ sport. She is an ice hockey goalie and plays on mixed teams. She has made many, many great friends. Most boys are brilliant teammates, but we had a bit of a rough spell when a tiny minority of them were not so nice.Luckily, we are past all of that now.

To the boy with the bruised ego.

I’ve had about enough of this.

We’re supposed to be allies

On paper, we’re on the same team.

And yet you cannot stop yourself

One personal attack after another

Trying to make me look small

But you can’t

For I am tall (much taller than you!)

And maybe that’s what upsets you?

I am more formidable.

On the outside.

I just want to play the game I love

But you don’t want to let me

You try to upset me

But when we stand in line to be counted

It’s me they pick over you

Every time

I guess that hurts.

So, you may see the salty tears

Sliding down my cheeks

From the lash of your words

And the sting of your lies

But to truly beat me, you must be better than me.

You are not and you never will be.