Unbox into the Sky

Once upon a time there was a boy and a girl

Growing up in a confusing world,

They would be speaking without being heard.

They were asked lots of questions,

They had rules to follow unbroken,

But no one would hear their suggestions,

As they fought this battle without a clear direction.

Happa, reduce your voice dear, why such a loud bark?

Ayyo why swimming? Your skin will turn dark

You're so energetic, can't believe you aren't a boy!

Why are you playing with a car, when you have this barbie toy?

Hopping, skipping, and jumping are for girls, go play cricket!

Why are you playing with a girl's kitchen set?

Heyy, wipe your tears! Only girls cry when they're hurt

Are you a girl to wear a pink shirt?

When we're children, we are put in a box.

A box of expectations,

A box of limitations,

A box of restrictions,

A box full of contradictions.

The things they tell us create an invisible box around our minds. As we grow up, there are many things that we find... impossible to do

Wow, your birthday is nearing. Do you need a car or a gun?

And for your birthday? Barbie doll or makeup set?

Why do you go out with boys? What will people say?

My son, you can go to your friend's place tonight to play!

How da, to your sister you lost such an important race? 

Enough of your frowning dear; switch to your beautiful face!

My daughter will learn Kathak and my boy will learn Hip Hop.

Why are you arguing being a girl? You'd better stop!

Look at your brother serving the guests holding trays.

Look at you walking like a boy! Where is the grace?

You are walking up so late! What will you do at your in-law's house?

You learn the household chores; your brother will be the man of the house!

Aye don't sweep the floor, let your sister do it!

Aye don't lift heavy things; let your brother do it!

Someday the little ones will be all grown

They'll have little ones of their own

And questions will fly, but how will they reply?

Will they be supportive or will they also groan?

The new parents knew how the matter was to be dealt.

As they understood how their kids felt,

They decided not to leave their dreams to float

Recalling the past rejections, they offered support.

Seeing this, the grandparents unboxed their minds,

Smiled at their children who were one of a kind

They realized being a boy or a girl should not define,

How they are meant to live or want to shine.

Regretting all the mistakes that were made,

They recalled those times and said:

If only I had told my daughter it was okay for her to be bold!

If only I had told my son it was okay to be soft!

If only I had told my daughter it was okay to play sports

If only I had told my son it was okay to be a chef!

If only I had only my daughter it was okay to not care about looks!

If only I had told my son it was okay to do the household chores!

When you are given a box,

You can hold on to it

Or you can let go of it

To pass on that box is a choice

Isn't that right, girls and boys?

Don't try to fit us into your box of identity

Bring us out of the box

Into the sky

The sky of acceptance

The sky of admiration

The sky of independence

The sky of appreciation

The sky's the limit of limitless possibilities....