When I was 13,
they told me to
step up to the line
at the dunk tank.

Girls throw from that line.

When I was 13,
reality punched me
in the gut

the first time I
became aware
that because I'm a girl,
I'm weak
I need help

When I was 13,
I hesitated,
I stepped up to the line,
the girl line

the first time
I was told I
couldn't do it
because
I am a girl

When I was 13,
I said no
I said that made no sense.
I said I didn't want a way out.

A girl push up.
A girl pull up.

An excuse,
I'm a girl.

So they let me go
to the further line,
and I watched my target,
the man in the tank,
sitting on the pedestal,
laughing at me.

When I was 13,
I hit the target
with a swift wrist,
a hard throw,
my shoulder back and
the sun burning on me

my muscles flexing
eye on the ball

Because I'm a girl?

I watched him fall into the dunk tank.