I loved heroic tales when I was small,
relating some to princesses, but more
to youngest sons and cabin boys and all
the challenges encountered. That was pure
enchantment for me, so I learned their ways:
the kindness to each lowly creature met;
adherence to the quest despite delays
and obstacles, through every sort of threat.

With fairy tales and Greek mythology
and legends of romantic errantry
I filled my fancy and I fed my head.
I even longed to be a boy instead.
I’d feint before I’d faint. I’d never swoon,
and unlike you, I still don’t give up soon.