If I should have a daughter…

I first heard this poem when my friend was considering doing it for the competitive declamation that we did at Brooklyn Latin. I’ve never forgot about it but I couldn’t find it again, so thank you so much for putting it here! This perfectly expresses everything I want any future daughter I might have to know and be, and even beyond that, just what I think mothers should be putting into the raising of their daughters. The sense of optimism that you point out is important to why this poem is so impactful. Kay acknowledges reality with a clear and refreshing understanding but also lets herself dream about what is possible for her daughter, and I love the combination of these two aspects.