They say I am girlfriend material—
that I can hold a man’s heart
in the palm of my hands
and keep it safe.
They say I am girlfriend material
because I think like the boys,
listen to Linkin Park,
wait patiently on the sidelines.
They say I am girlfriend material
because I laugh at green jokes,
don’t bruise easily,
learn when to soften my words.
They say I am girlfriend material
because I have the face to please,
the mind to challenge,
and a smile that never quits.
They say I am girlfriend material—
I go where I am invited,
speak when it is welcome,
try everything, as long as it costs nothing.
But no one asks
what I want to be
when I am not useful,
not agreeable,
not theirs.
