“The Girl’s Will; or Optimism” [by Judith Hall]

The Girl’s Will; or Optimism

                         After Alice, Lolita, Candy, Candide, and Alice Again

"Curiouser and curiouser!" cried —
Half-naked, kneeling, turning about on
"Darn Daddy anyway!" she said
Once upon a time.
Something interesting is sure to

Grow large again, for really
The sex interests of children
The heavy breathing of the
Best. For I am infinitely
Growing and growing, and very soon

With a yelp of delight
Stirring in a little girl
Her terrible selfishness, how it
Was an indispensable part of
Thinking I should be free.

"Please mind what you’re doing!"
"This is a free country."
The girl was quite excited,
The best of all possible
Riddles that have no answers.

–Judith Hall