"Rites of Passage" seems to focus on the competitive nature of males. At an early age, her son argues with the other boys at his birthday party over who could fight the other. "I could beat you up, a seven says to a six" is one such passage that reveals the author's implication that the male gender looks for reasons to fight, even at an early age.
Later in the poem, one of the boys says "We could easily kill a two-year-old," an interesting and disturbing revelation to the "masculine" nature that is developed at an early age. It is debatable as to whether this is a trait that is common in males, or if it is just the result of parenting. The fact is, this mindset must come from somewhere. Gender roles may not only be the result of culture, but an inherited gene that transcends from father to son.
She observes them as they begin their role-playing "like Generals" and begin to wage war. It's uncertain as to whether Olds is being an objective observer or has a bias against the opposite sex. However, judging by this poem and the poem "The One Girl at the Boys' Party," she seems to focus a lot on the innocence of the female gender and the nature of men to dominate others.
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I didn't know the author of this one was the same as the one about the girl at an all boys party. But it makes sense now that I think about it because it's written in a very similar style, especially with all the comparisons and similes and metaphors. I like how you compared her statement of them being "like generals" to their own small war of who can beat up whom among the other children.
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