“Humanity, I’m sure I do not have to tell Your Grace, is a strange animal.” ― Kady Cross, The Girl in the Steel Corset

I’ve noticed my last few post have a bit of a theme…people are strange.

We tell women to be strong, equal, take control of your life! BUT only if it doesn’t interfere with anyone else’s needs.

We tell me that they need to be more compassionate, allow their emotions to show, be softer, sweeter. BUT only if they are still full of machismo and testosterone to get that job done and support everyone.

We tell children to be strong, independent – GROW UP! BUT don’t walk beyond the sidewalk, don’t talk to strangers, don’t go out. Stay safe, stay bubble wrapped (metaphorically speaking).

We tell the old how much we care. BUT we leave them to rot and be abused in elder care. We’re too busy we say, too busy making money to keep the house to feed the children to keep the cars to keep up appearances.

We tell people of other cultures how accepting we are, how caring, how much we want to make a change in the world. BUT only if you aren’t gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, gender fluid, African, Asian, Indian, Native American, African American, Hindu, Muslim, Shiite, Jewish, – any faith other than Christian, any colour other than white, any language but English – shall I continue?

I’m fed up with people keeping up appearances.

Keeping up appearances
It’ll never do
to allow them to wander
freedom
what would you do?

keeping up appearances
make that lawn look great!
clip and clean
shine and glean
freedom
what would you do?

keeping up appearances
2 1/2 children
seen and not heard
perfect kitchen, perfect house
perfect
freedom
What would you do?

Keeping up appearances
keeping in line
follow the rules
don’t step on that lawn!
freedom
What would you do?

Keeping up appearances
why?
Are you happy now?
Take that pill
put on a smile
freedom
what would you do?

keeping up appearances
make a grand farewell
a rotting corpse dressed to kill
tears flowing
memories rusted
appearances fall away
freedom
what did you do?

People are so strange.

Gowan – Strange Animal