#9 In

Its an in joke that I’m not proud

That I’ve never been in with the in crowd

I’m a proud outsider

A socially awkward collider

Making social situations so difficult and strange

That there’s no one left who wouldn’t say I’m deranged

But that’s fine. I’m an introvert at heart

You’ve got to go down to discover my genuine emotional part

I act like a tough guy

But flat out that’s a lie

I’ve been damaged too many times, don’t cause it’s tough for me to reveal

Like any human being I’m a guy that can feel

So if I seem cold, ruthless or hostile

I’d beg you, just give me a while

I may not be popular, blessed with a prom king fate

But if you get to know me it’ll be worth the wait.

I had the word 'in'. This is what I wrote about

#8 My Darkest Desire

I wish that I could name countries, that I could read maps,
That I could write essays, as well as I can rap.
That I could go on field trips and get muddy, I guess I'm trying to infer,
My darkest desire is to study and be a geographer.

Know I know what y'all are thinking "the boys gone mad,
What ever happened to him, he used to be such a promising young lad,
Full of hopes an ideals, aspirations and dreams,
Now he's gone so far wrong you can hear his parent's screams."

I'm going to stop you right there because I think you're being a little dramatic.
And I can sense doubt in the audience. So let me state and be emphatic:
Geography is really the means by which I wish I could pay my bills,
But I didn't have the nerve or the colouring skillz.

Yet I really do care about the environment and the energy debate.
About the Geology and Sociology of the planet we habituate.
But I have to say when it comes to the thrust of the earth's crust causing tidal surges,
And red hot magma and volcanoes, they all give me urges.
Yeah it really is one of the most urgent of course,
I run out of air when I talk about the limitations of earth's resources.

I'd love to go on a field trip to someplace nice and exotic, but also quite expensive,
But I think I'd be nervous, I'd sure be apprehensive.
And I feel I'd have to stand up to my stereotype with defiance,
I know all of you view me as just a guy that studies science,
But I'm more than just the math, more than just the equation.
I'm not trying to make you laugh, but win you over with persuasion.
Because although it goes against my engineering core, I've got no wish higher,
Yeah to study Geography really is my darkest desire.


***

Context: We had an auction of promises, where people sold services and items for charity. I offered a poem, and much to my surprise and delight it was actually bought by 2 second year geographer friends of mine, James Fisher and Dan Tarry. The only limitation they gave me was the poem's subject - my darkest desire. Who knows what they had thought I'd write about. After some thought, I'd decided to do it about studying Geography. Originally it was meant to compliment them show Geography as a complex subject, covering many disciplines and highlight it's importance to the modern world. I feel I only deviated slightly from that in my final piece...

Sorry.

But nevertheless, this poem is still dedicated to them. Whether they want it to be or not.

#7 Ambition

If you love what you do, you'll never have to live a day in your life.
But if you do then what you love will cause you trouble and strife.
Because then you depend on it for survival, it becomes a chore.
What once was great becomes no fun anymore.

And then, also, you care so much if you succeed.
You have real tears to cry, real blood to bleed.
You can't do the 9-5 shift, not really caring.
Not if your desire is collapsing and tearing.

See, a lot of people I know thought they loved what they did.
Thought they'd known what they'd wanted since being a kid.
Thought that there was no way they'd ever grow tired or sad
Of doing the thing they had done since a lass or a lad.

The real world ain't like that though, you see?
It's constantly twisting and turning, welcome to reality.
Ideals and morals are going to be put through the mill
Every desire is to be tested, but for every way, there is a will.

It's tough, and it ain't the easiest path.
And though others may decide to point and laugh.
If there's something you really want, there's nothing I'd more strongly recommend,
Than taking the hardships on board, and pursuing it to the end.

#6 Tomorrow Will be Kinder

When Mother Earth is getting you down, please don't mind her
This day will soon be through, and tomorrow will be kinder

I understand, dear sir, you've had a rough day
Work has been hard, nothing has gone your way
Go back home, lay your head to rest
Life will get better, I can clearly attest


For Mother Earth will stop soon, please don't mind her
This day will soon be through, and tomorrow will be kinder

And madam, I know you've been under a great deal of stress
But I care not if your clothes are dirty or your hair is a mess
For all dark clouds will soon clear the sky
If you just wait, the darkness will drift right by


Mother Earth is just being herself, please don't mind her
This day will soon be through, and tomorrow will be kinder

Dear friend, this world can be a very strange place
Big and scary, and intimidating to face
But all fears will pass, all dangers will release
Hold my hand, and together we'll wait for the dark today to cease


Mother Earth is having a rough time herself, please be kind to her
This day will soon be through, and tomorrow will be kinder


***

Inspiration: Tomorrow Will Be Kinder - The Secret Sisters