Neutral spaces

The world is full of vindictive faces
Seeking retribution in all kinds of spaces
And, well, sometimes retribution is justified

It is important to be consistent in philosophy
To speak out against injustice without apology
Yet also to have a place where apologies can be realised

Neutral spaces should probably not be the norm
So that we can pretend no conflict is the default form
But they should still exist

Because we need to share some culture and art
Lest we become a fully separate and torn apart
With no reason for peace to persist

Neutral is not apolitical, and should not be confused for such
Yet neutral spaces can be important, where we can all share in much
Just make sure you don't do it for avarice
Or just to avoid conflict in cowardice
But acknowledge the reason for the neutrality
And you will create a space to bridge humanity

Believe in lies

Hey. Hey you.
Let's believe in some lies together.

I want to believe that we will be able to fight global warming.
That we can put an end to sexism
That it's possible to find time for a good book when things are stressful
That we can find all the answers to faith
That we can build a better world
And that true love exists.

Wait, what's that?
Some of those aren't lies?

Well, you may be right.
But they're hard to believe in sometimes

Hey. Let's believe in them anyway.
And if we believe in them hard enough

Maybe they'll turn out to be true

Aesthetics

You want the aesthetics, without acknowledging the origins
You want to be good looking without putting the work in
What's the issue, it's just colour and patterns
Yeah, but they're formed from philosophies and passions

So, before going any further, let me state my thesis
All of design is subject to hysteresis
Which means it doesn't just exist in the here and now
This can seem theoretical, so let me explain how

A loving collage of pins piercings and junk
More than just music, there's the world of punk
It's not just "rebellion" in a marketable form
It's a sign of a world where resistance is born

Punk isn't comfortable, it's anger and rage
Captured in vocal fry and a dirty journal page
So if you want to dress punk, it's good to know
About the feelings that go along with the 'fro

Similarly, I have a love for Hayao Miyazaki
From studio Ghibli, father of Totoro and Kiki
So much care in each animation cell
Shared within every story as well

I'm sure he'd be thrilled, if you were to draw his creation, 
But far less so if you resorted to AI generation
You've not worked as he did, but wanted the feeling
That made that style seem so welcome and appealing

Look, styles change. Anyone can wear or draw anything.
I'm not saying you have to research every note before you sing.
But it's not only enriching, but respectful to the creator
To research an aesthetic before you become an imitator

If you like an aesthetic, acknowledge the origin
Know why it means so much before you add your spin
Combine it all with your own philosophy and passion
And find an honest place in the world of fashion