Different folks
A celebration of variation
Difference
Is something for reflection.
Variation,
A blessing for our souls to cling to,
Sing to the sky in celebration.
Individualisation is what makes us…
Us.
Fear not the stranger.
The stranger, the better.
Welcome them with open arms,
No qualms bringing them into our lives.
Uniformity, conformity, an enormity of sameness, blandness, fake-ness, will stifle our awareness.
For you and I are not the same.
We become ourselves because we are
different.
Long may we celebrate
Each other's innate
Otherness.
O ~ o ~
For Natasha Collazo”s poetry challenge
With thanks to Sam Harty whose lovely Ode to the Non Binary provided the inspiration for this little verse
About the Creator
Raymond G. Taylor
Author living in Kent, England. Writer of short stories and poems in a wide range of genres, forms and styles. A non-fiction writer for 40+ years. Subjects include art, history, science, business, law, and the human condition.
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Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
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Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
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📢 Raise Your Voice Thread: 01/08/2026
Our “Raise Your Voice Threads” are hosted most alternating Thursdays at 12PM ET to offer creators more avenues to uncover exceptional stories on Vocal. As we are continuously searching for fresh creators and inspiring stories, this thread provides an opportunity to exchange and discuss the stories that have moved and motivated us on Vocal.
By Raise Your Voice by Vocal6 days ago in Resources
Comments (9)
Well-wrought! So long as we can refrain from allowing our individualities to congeal into a group ideology, this mutual regard can be preserved. This is, unfortunately, not the usual manner of cooperation among human animals...
Awww my dear friend! This was soooo awesome! <3
Fear not the stranger. The stranger, the better. This is like, woa! The power these lines hold is infinite! Being different is definitely what makes us, us! Not one person has the same exact upbringing with same exact experiences. This is why we are we! Great job expressing this!
Yes! It's good to be different!
Amen! Preach it, Brother!
Wonderful poem, Raymond.
I went and read Sam's before commenting! This is very admirable what you did here. Spreading awareness and showing kind support is something we all need to participate more in. Lovely work, Ray!
Different doesn't mean bad. Some people really need to understand that. Loved your poem!
Good job and a great poem to read as an introduction to social services course on diversity.