In certain families Poem by Véronique Pittolo

In certain families, the republic of girls was the catechism. Schoolgirls arrived noisily in uniform, white socks.

Today the emptiness of boarding-schools, the intoxication of wax candles, the gardens under snow are neglected. Girls have been led to believe they might gain access to marriage, have children, that men would stop at the café door. Are they joking? How can you get a man to bring you home when your skirt hasn't yet filled out? Was it necessary to compare the length of my legs with the length of other girls'?

Soon, she'll be able to go out on a stranger's arm, and kiss him, share a Marlboro. The poor princesses with their hair loose will break free faster than the rich ones who stagnate. Between the two, the mass of female students will be demonstrating in the street.