There's More to Me Than Hair: A Performance Poem

There's more to me than hair
Yet when people stop and stare
I hear Great Scott
My names not Scott
Am I just some caricature?
What are you looking at?
Looking at me?
Seeing some kind of crazy tree?
A wild mop escaping domestic slavery?
Good to be free, good to be free
But can you be free and always watched?
Or am I looking into this too much?
Hey look at him Side Show Bob
Yes you  I can see you I can hear
This hair's not thick around my ears
But thank you Sideshow Bob is intelligent and funny…. And homicidal
Look, look, look my name’s  not Bob
Bobs not my name
Bobs not my name
Bobs not my
No, no, no I’m not going to fit into some musical conformity
Just because I look black doesn’t mean I like hip hop R&B or rap
To me it all sounds like a load of… talented music made to suit a variety of different peoples taste
But it’s not for me
I can and will like Classical music and Rock
I think my hair is doing society good
My contribution to all people
Seeing a smile where before there’s a frown
Imaginations getting fired up
Instead of silence I get watsup
I can speak plainly or posh if I like
Yet yo yo yo, big it up de brudder…
What?
As people stare at me
And I stare at them
Until they realise that I’m staring at them, staring at me
I wonder what they’re thinking?
Do they think that I’m tough?
Or camp with my wave?
Do they think me a fool?
Or expect me to dance real cool?
I can be silly and deep
Eccentric and orderly
I’m going to be what I am created me to be
I’m going to be me!

Copyright © Nathan Groves http://wondersandparodies.blogspot.com/
This Work Is Not To Be Reproduced With Out Permission.

Coping With Stress

Some help with handling the stressful times in life.



How chaotic the world can be, with surprises and disruptions to plans. Handling these ups and downs in life can have a lasting effect on our well being. Stress can exaggerate ailments and make our body more susceptible to falling ill. It can also affect our mood, causing anxiety and worsen depression. See my piece on depression at
If you regularly get stressed you can try developing some habits which will calm your the mind and help to organise your day in a positive way.

Wake up to music

Having a radio or CD alarm creates a gentler way to wake up than a beeping noise. Also make sure you get plenty of sleep to start with.

Plan your music on the commute to work

Whether on an Ipod or on the car stereo having a good selection of tunes can help you to get in the right mood for the day. Although the radio can be helpful for this its also unpredictable and can have music or talking which can be grating rather than relaxing.

Memorise some encouraging words each week

Writing down some encouraging or inspiring words on a small piece of card means that they are available to read throughout the day. These can be from people living or historical,a passage from a book, or quoting a favourite song or film.

Prioritize your day

If there are some important things you want to get done in a day make a list and don't procrastinate. Putting off tasks can be more stressful in the long run and means they may be on your mind when your taking time to relax. Ensure you do not over fill your schedule.

Just say NO!

We often feel a need to please everyone but don't have a duty to do so. Over commitment leads to stress and rushing. You can apply this to the work place as well as personal life. Bosses tend to give you more and more work without thinking. Point out to them if it's too much to do reminding them that you need time to do a job properly.

Contact at least one or two friends a day

t doesn't have to be a long conversation. Contacting people you care about on line, by phone or in person, is positive experience. It helps to feel part of community with those around you as well as keeping in touch with friends far away. We naturally have a need for relationship, it is good to be in contact with people close to you as well as colleagues.

 

Copyright © Nathan Groves http://wondersandparodies.blogspot.com/
This Work Is Not To Be Reproduced With Out Permission.