finding new role models for young men

i hear

the little cub scout sitting behind

me

at the stadium

asking

his father,

why is that man dancing

with the cheerleaders,

and dancing

like a girl?

i think he's wearing

lipstick and has purple

glitter on.

the man sighs, and says, well son.

that's the way

it is now.

you don't have to be a girl anymore

to do girl stuff.

you don't have

to play football anymore,

be the quarterback

or a tough guy

on the line.

sometimes

you can put on your short shorts

grab a pom pom

and entertain the crowd

with your

dancing skills.

now eat your hot dog.

but isn't it hard being a girl,

the kid says,

like mom,

the hair,

the make-up, always shopping,

and talking on the phone,

looking in the mirror

all the time?

no, not for them.

that's how they roll.

hey, let's throw the ball around son

when we

get home, okay?

maybe lift some weights?

grille some red meat

on the patio outside.

can we practice dancing too, dad,

like that guy?