"B" (If I Should Have a Daughter)

“Peacocks” by Sarah Kay (2011)

Similar to “‘B’ (If I Should Have a Daughter),” this poem has related features, in its central focus being on young people—the next generation—and in its wistfully romantic approach to style. Moreover, the narrator attempts to help young people through her guidance. In the narrator’s effort unite the two characters using a love letter, she reveals her hopes for their happiness, much like the hopes the narrator has for her hypothetical daughter in “‘B’ (If I Should Have a Daughter)."

“Morning” by Sarah Kay (2009)

“Morning” presents some points of similarity and contrast to “‘B’ (If I Should Have a Daughter).” In this poem, the narrator again references the subject matter of childhood, this time their own, using a romantic and nostalgic style. However, in contrast to “‘B’ (If I Should Have a Daughter),” the nostalgia arises in the context of an adult relationship gone awry.  Rather than hoping for a happy future, the speaker must face the disappointment of the present while longing for the comfort of childhood. Stylistically, the layout of the lines resembles “‘B’ (If I Should Have a Daughter)” in the way the words seem to trickle down the page with ease, giving the impression of effortlessness.

“The Type” by Sarah Kay (2013)

This poem’s subject matter is similar to that of “‘B’ (If I Should Have a Daughter)” in its inclusion of advice for younger women. “The Type” explores similar topics to the poem, such as how to deal with romantic relationships, although it has a darker tone regarding the opposite sex. “The Type” also has more of a staccato delivery of the lines that resemble the section of “‘B’ (If I Should Have a Daughter)” that discusses the toll life can take on you using the metaphor of physical blows.