Why did they cheer?

It was that class—

Physical education—

where I experienced it

for the first time.

The opposing team,

all boys,

were cheering me

to go to the basket.

While I appreciated their encouragement

something didn't sit right;

the fact that I was treated like a small child

just because I'm a girl.

In the same game

I'd stolen the ball,

I'd blocked passes,

I'd stood strong when being run into.

Despite my efforts

of proving myself,

for which I know not why I needed to,

they still cheered and treated me

like I wasn't even equal.