The girl wants no help
climbing the tree
or riding the bike
or flopping sloppily
into the pool.
She can do these things
just fine on her own.

She can handle anything
this young world has thrown at her
and she’s ready to tackle
the next beasts independently
with ferocity
and full autonomy

She looks witheringly
at any who think they have anything to offer
and runs off scornfully
knowing she can outpace any boy
who tries to race her.

She seeks no aid.
She wishes for no help
throwing a stone
or taking a hit
or climbing a tree
but I remain near
on the off-chance
that she might fall.