Times Have Chanced

Before I was 5

I was told that ladies sit with their knees together

That I should'nt play rough with my brother

That girls played house and pretended to be a mum or a wife

Before I was 10

I was told to help wish to dishes

That I had to do things against my wishes

That this was less expected of a man

Before I was 20

I was told I was fat

That nice ladies don't dress like that

That a salad for lunch was plenty

Blah blah blah

Before I was 30

I was told I had an expiration date

That I had to find a good mate

That it was about time I marry

Before I was 40

I was told I had to be the best mother

Do well at my job and focus on my daughter

That I'm should still look like I'm 30

Now that I'm 40

With a daughter growing up so quickly

Who is soft and feminine and also tough and gritty

I'll raise her to make her own rules and be

Whoever she wants to be