Gender reassignment

In Competition No. 2942 you were invited to submit a rhyme incorporating the lines ‘What are little girls made of?’ and ‘What are little boys made of?’ This challenge was a potential minefield, given how high feelings run nowadays when it comes to the thorny issue of gender identity. Still, those brave souls that took the plunge produced a witty and well judged entry. I especially admired Carolyn Thomas-Coxhead’s nifty Tom Lehrer-inspired submission; Nicholas Stone, Martin Parker and George Simmers also shone. The winners earn £25, except W.J. Webster, who nabs £30.
 

What are little girls made of
Is a question that’s better not put:
Answer only if you’re not afraid of
Finding your mouth full of foot.
Don’t offer parts pretty or gentle
Or tender, protective and caring:
They’re judged to imply ornamental
Or being confined to child-bearing.
What are little boys made of
Is equally parlous to hazard;
The traits there’s a usual parade of
Will have you fall flat on your mazzard.