The Child Who Knew

I am the mother who almost didn’t listen

to the child who knew.

I am the mother of the child

who knew something was different,

who could not keep it secret.

I am the mother of this child who knew.

The child who knew their gender was wrong,

who cried when called a girl

this strong willed child

who had the courage to say

I am not

This girl,

This dress,

This hair,

This body.

This child who knew complied,

too scared to be true to themselves.

This child knew at age two

and proudly proclaimed,

I AM NOT A LITTLE GIRL!

I am the mother who couldn’t hear

this child who knew,

until it was almost too late to see.

This child who knew

that they were not a little girl,

they were never your little girl.

I am the mother of the child who knew they were your son.