Lullabies for tomorrow
A daughter is born. A father holds the baby's hand in his, promising to give her the best education, to nurture her impulse to achieve and to stand by her dreams. The baby, eyes drowsy, is placed in a cradle and rocked to sleep with these words... "Beautiful anklets adorning your feet, Eyes lined with Kohl. Graceful and Coy; The Lord shall come to take your hand." A son is born. A father holds the baby's hand in his, promising the best of the world to him, promising to make him a brave man, to nurture his desires and strengthen his resolve to achieve. The baby, eyes drowsy, is placed in a cradle and rocked to sleep with these words... "Brave and righteous you are. Bow and arrow in Hand, destroyer of evil. Look at those majestic feet; Stepping into the world, head held high." Every night as they fall asleep, little boys are sung 'traditional' songs of bravery, of being leaders and being the king; while girls are cuddled into thoughts of the cele...