Some like to get down and dirty. For others, it’s simply dirty.

 

I love this one. I hope you do too.

The differences...

Light, shade, nothing in between

 

Some have it tough all over

And got used to it

Others can’t cope

And do anything to make it smooth.

 

Some climb the walls out of despair

Others with chalked hands

And guide ropes.

 

Some like breakfast radio

With 26% ads

And 24% muzak

While other favour indie mp3’s

Or tapping knees.

 

Some like to dabble in D.I.Y.

Others would rather D.I.E.

 

Some become what they wear

Hence stiff power suits

Others in colourful, loose threads

With chilled urgency free heads

Others with no consideration at all

Preferring to be judged on personality.

 

Some take vitamins

Others pop pills.

 

Some drink two litres a day

Some drink two litres at night.

 

Some know where they’ve been

Others don’t know where they’re going.

 

Some like to get down and dirty

For others, it’s simply dirty.

 

Some like a cat on a hot tin roof

Others prefer to remain aloof.

 

I could keep it going

But others are coming

And rather than illuminate the meaning

Some things are best left in the dark.

 

2013

This has never been published before. I wish I had included it in a book. 

That was a particular good year for poetry for me.

I hope you enjoyed it.

More Poetry

A.J. Langford Books

Accepting those different - Real diversity

Hi there,

How are you going this week?

Next week I'll have a short story in audio form for you but this week, I'd like to mention diversity, acceptance and tolerance. Many people talk about these things. And then, for example, will happily demonise all people of an opposing political persuasion. Or those with different belief systems. Atheists will condemn Christians and vice versa. People really aren't so tolerant after all.

This was written in January '21.

Speared

 

Speared well and true

By the sharp affront

To your ideological foundations.

 

How a single comment

Can threaten the belief system

You've built over time

In part, on your experiences

(More likely your upbringing)

And your chosen influences.

 

How many

In a lifetime

Beyond the impressionable years

Actually change sides?

 

Could you swing to a fresh allegiance

After years of treading

The comfortable path?

 

I suspect very few do

One usually reinforces

Not drifts.

 

How interesting would it be

To learn more about those people?

And why they make shifts

Others never even consider.

 

People like that,

Give the colour and texture

To the fabric.

 

13.1.21  7.30 pm

(Final days of Trump leadership)

More Poetry

This is not an analysis of Trump or his supporters in his final days. More an inspiration to assess those on the 'other' side. The other side of us, no matter which way we swing. 

Diversity isn't superficial things like skin colour and gender. What about difference of opinion? Different age groups. (There's some genuine diversity right there). Different classes. Not fulfill some company pie chart. 

We are influenced by media reports. Additionally, it's the extremists who oft provide the lasting impressions. It takes a wider consideration to understand others, and where they may be coming from. True tolerance. I suspect few have it. 

My Books

Next week,

An audio story (in video form as well).

If you're in Lockdown, like we are here, in our 11th week, hang in there. 

We're all going a bit crazy now. 

Diversity Enhancement Available Now!

 Tired of being overlooked in the modern world?

Prepare to have your life changed...

New job opportunities.

New Popularity.

New Relationships!

Join the New World Order

and get

Diversity Enhanced!

Go Brown and Hit the Town!

WATCH Video

Leave behind the White Charade and join the Soul Brothers' Hit  Parade!

Original text version

The Spontateous Stiffies

The Joys of Going to a Climate Change Rally

Bill Cosby's Super Cocktail Wallbanger

Smart Phone Zombies in Night of the Living Smombies.

More Satire

My Books

Increase your Diversity Strength. (Go Woke before you Go Broke.)

(If easily offended, don't read. Post from 2019*).

Worried that you just don’t cut it in the modern world?

Tired of being overlooked because of your skin colour, gender or sexuality? 

Being left out of the employment quotas market?

What you need is…

Diversity Enhancement!

The New World Order can include you too. You just have to change who you are. It’s not as difficult as it sounds.

       If you’re a man, wear a dress. It doesn’t cost much, and it's simple to achieve. 

       Watch people’s eyes light up, but not a word will leave their mouths. 

       No need to worry about being retrenched. Job security guaranteed!

       (Also great for nightclub cred).

Starter Package for the

Fiscally Non-Diverse

           Face painting is out. The ol' Black Face is considered racist. (White face is okay). The Next Best Thing to being black, is going brown.  You can claim you’re from any background then. Or even mixed race. In fact, you won’t have to state where you’re from at all. People will be too scared to ask. And as we know, possessing Diversity means more Power. Bathe in the Silence! 
  

'I am not white!'  -  New Native

Come along to our new, Enhanced Tanning Salon. You can get that all over look for that crucial job interview, or even a first date. 

Once you give up white, you'll be reeling in the big bites!

His New Street Cred.
He told his friends he had a 'Soul Sister' for a girlfriend.
His online business doubled overnight.

          Would you prefer a more permanent solution? You need the Diversity Enhancer Double Strength! You can go the whole hog and get your skin laser treated! Or if that’s too intense for you, we have special Diversity Medication you can go on. It worked for Michael Jackson. It can work for you too!

He was ahead of his time. He just went the wrong way.

While not as effective as skin alterations, you can always claim you’re 2% Indigenous/African /Indian/Native etc. Who are they to know? Many have gotten away with it. So can you! You can identify as a man or a woman too for that matter. Whatever suits the occasion. Better still, go Gender Neutral and beat the odds! It's all the craze!  

From White Shite to Future Bright! He now has a girlfriend! (His first in 19 years!)

If those situations sound a little daunting, here’s an easy one. You can claim you’re bi-sexual. It’s the most non-intrusive of all. Or just go the whole hog, as we like to say here at Diversity International, and say you’re Gay or Lesbian. Who are they to know? Will they follow you to your bedroom? Does what you get up behind closed doors impact on your job? Of course not. But stating it on your job application can put you at the front of the queue! Remarkable!

After thirty-three months unemployed, (since the Warehouse got rid of them in favor of cheap immigrant labor), all three got jobs at WalMart! 

(Provided they wear their dresses)

Build your Diversity Strength Today.

Acceptance Awaits You Too!

Join now and get a discount on the Priceless Victim Meter! 

This advertisement was brought you by Diversity International,

building a more inclusive world for everyone. 
Even straight, white, conservative people. 

(jokes - you guys are fucked). 

Political Correctness: Demanding tolerance through intolerance! 

Coming soon, get your Doctorate in Wokeology!

Take the whole family to the New Woke Wally World!

The Future looks bright! 

(For some. The rest slide into darkness).

VIDEO VERSION

Read about The Brexit Solution (as of Nov. 19)
The Spontateous Stiffies
The Joys of Going to a Climate Change Rally
Bill Cosby's Super Cocktail Wallbanger
Smart Phone Zombies in Night of the Living Smombies.

More Satire

My Books

*This post was written in 2019. What was satire then, is policy now. 

A guy I was working with that year went for a job interview at the ABC. He's in a wheelchair. When he rolled into the interview, (his words), their eyes lit up. He knew immediately that he had the job, before a word was uttered. He thought it was hilarious. He got that job. As far as I know, he's still there. Good luck to him. It's just a small example. The point being I suppose, that the same people calling for inclusion are guilty of discrimination. The message is simple. Don't discriminate against anyone. Skill and experience should be the first consideration.