Many years ago, as a student, I heard the venerated poem “If” by Kipling. The truth is, I never understood the need for a young male to successfully pass through a gauntlet of random statements before he could be considered a man. However, during these most peculiar times, we are now faced with the renewed need to illuminate what it takes for a girl to become a woman. Inspired by my young granddaughter, I wrote this poem for her and for every precious child born as female.