We are more alike than we are unalike, my friends

I’ve been busy the past few days sketching and working on some more blackout poetry. I finally went out and got those much needed Sharpies. I don’t watch a lot of TV up until football season begins (I’m more of a movie/documentary type of guy with the exception of The Walking Dead and The History Channel) so I usually am not up to date on the latest advertisements but I just so happened to catch a new ad for the “shot on iPhone” for Apple. I must say, it’s the most beautiful ad Apple has released to date in my opinion. If you haven’t seen it I have of course included the ad as well as the full poem below. I hope the same feelings are evoked in you that I experience as I read/hear the words. Enjoy and have a great Monday.

Although the late, Dr. Maya Angelou is no longer with us physically …her presence,  influence, and significance still remains. Angelou illuminates the similarities of all people in this beautiful “shot on iPhone”ad that was a featured spot in this years Olympic Games. Her voice so soothing, her words so eloquent. I can’t remember a time when I was not a fan of this brilliant woman.

 

Full poem Human Family (Poem by Dr. Maya Angelou)

I note the obvious differences
in the human family.
Some of us are serious,
some thrive on comedy.

Some declare their lives are lived
as true profundity,
and others claim they really live
the real reality.

The variety of our skin tones
can confuse, bemuse, delight,
brown and pink and beige and purple,
tan and blue and white.

I’ve sailed upon the seven seas
and stopped in every land.
I’ve seen the wonders of the world,
not yet one common man.

I know ten thousand women
called Jane and Mary Jane,
but I’ve not seen any two
who really were the same.

Mirror twins are different
although their features jibe,
and lovers think quite different thoughts
while lying side by side.

We love and lose in China,
we weep on England’s moors,
and laugh and moan in Guinea,
and thrive on Spanish shores.

We seek success in Finland,
are born and die in Maine.
In minor ways we differ,
in major we’re the same.

I note the obvious differences
between each sort and type,
but we are more alike, my friends
than we are unalike.

We are more alike, my friends,
than we are unalike.

We are more alike, my friends,
than we are unalike.

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We are more alike, my friends,
than we are unalike.

I think it goes without question that those few words are simple but yet so powerful…especially for those who suffer from an illness surrounded by stigma’s. To all of those who suffer from mental illness compared to those who do not…We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.

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