The poem begins with the boy reflecting on his childhood, when he was "a tomboy, a wild thing." He loved to climb trees and play with trucks, and he felt most comfortable when he was surrounded by boys. As he grew older, however, the boy began to feel different from his male friends. He started to notice the way women were treated, and he felt a growing sense of alienation from his own gender.
The boy begins to question his own identity, and he wonders if he might be transgender. He explores the possibility of transitioning to female, but he also fears the prejudice and discrimination that he might face. The poem ends with the boy still struggling to understand who he is, but he is determined to find his own truth.
"What Boy" is a powerful and moving poem that gives voice to the experiences of transgender people. The poem explores the challenges and joys of living outside the traditional gender binary, and it celebrates the courage of those who dare to be themselves.
Here are some additional themes explored in the poem:
* The construction of gender: The poem shows how gender is not a simple binary, but rather a spectrum. The boy is not just male or female, but somewhere in between.
* The importance of self-acceptance: The poem encourages the boy to accept himself for who he is, even if it means challenging the expectations of society.
* The power of love: The poem shows how love can help to break down barriers and create understanding. The boy's friends and family support him on his journey of self-discovery, and their love helps him to find the courage to be himself.
"What Boy" is a complex and thought-provoking poem that offers a unique perspective on gender and sexuality. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in these issues.