Atlantis: Critical Studies in Gender, Culture &amp; Social Justice Issue 46.2 (2025) Day of the Girl Child Poetry Winners: Third Place
I’d Like To Meet Her
by Catherine Khaperska
I’d like to meet her She who is the gentle waves That, given the power Are bound to crash against the shore She who controls the tides She whose dreams are just within reach If she took but just one step
I’d like to sit her down at a table In a quaint little cafe And listen to her gush and ramble About her hopes Desires, loves, aspirations, and interests
I’d like to hold her hand and tell her that she is strong and capable Her brain is a marvel The road before her clears of weeds And dries of mud Her future is her own I’d like for her to know that
I’d like to look her in the eyes and see the stars Her vision going further than she ever thought she could take part I’d like for her to realise The true power of an ambitious girl’s mind
I’d like to see her flourish I’d like to see her succeed, fulfill Her every need And stand on top of the world with a smile
I’d like to meet her, one day, and ask her “Do you understand what I’m saying? Take a second, breathe it in If you don’t believe me I’ll read this poem To you Again”
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Catherine Khaperska (she/her) is a poet and novelist from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Her poetry features themes of transformation, hope and ambition, and her novels for young adults (mostly in the fantasy genre) include themes of family, love, and resilience. Her debut novel Scarred was published in early 2023 and its sequel Scattered was published in late 2024.
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