Be a good girl, we are told,
Colour inside lines, paint by numbers,
Prim and proper, pretty and perfect,
Hideaway tears, reveal only smiles,
Be a mother, be a man’s wife,
Cook and clean, don’t think too much,
Your mind is not yours, neither is your body,
Repeat what you’re told, silent except to answer,
Don’t fight back, you only get bruises,
Keep skin covered, unless you want trouble,
It’s your own fault, didn’t stay in your lane,
Be obedient, or suffer the consequences.
So be a good girl, we are told.
