"Fashion is fleeting but Style is timeless, my child, OK?
These words of my dearly beloved father are still clear on my mind today
Unlike words in many people's speeches which come out all wrong
When thoughts are merely imitated; not clear, profound nor strong
You can be lost among the sheep or lead as the kind shepherd, he said
You can be drowned in the noise of the crowds or stand up and be heard
You can rush to the stores each time a new window is displayed
Or first define who you are and let your personality guide and aid
The trends will come and go but WHO YOU ARE must always show
And if you CHOOSE WITH CARE, your personal style will serve this so
School will teach you to read, write and count, good parents will let you know
The difference between right and wrong, so you may choose the right path to follow:
Even dignified persons can be provocative or mistaken in certain clothing
When there is very little covered it is the testosterone charging and deciding
Not the mind nor heart, for they are momentarily cowered into submission
Whilst those raging below the belt take control and key position
Every boy and girl must be taught before they turn a teen
That many minds are as good as mash when certain images are screened or seen
When the able mind is aroused many a man can be caught
With the imagery of nakedness sparking imaginations of things so hot
Stirring passions and confusion & unwelcome pregnancy in many a home
Then how often we hear the refrain 'I didn't dress like that for a bone'
Pick and choose your words and clothes but remember your image projection
Every garment speaks & FOR EVERY ACTION THERE IS A REACTION
"Style is how you do. Clothes are what you wear" - Tracee Ellis Ross
The lovely lady's graceful look whispers DIGNITY and TRADITION
The student's neat and preppy look state MISSION: EDUCATION
The warrior's armour is designed to conjure fear and intimidation
The hustler's low-hung pants say what do you care about my condition
The eager come-hither tarty look screams FOR HIRE: prostitution
The fire service uniform declares their trade and gives PROTECTION
No matter our complexion or station our choice of clothing make a declaration
The threads we wear are an outer manifestation of an inner conviction
There surely must be a time and place for that item that you bought
When you were so excited yet unsure, and all you thought
Was this on my body will drive people craaaaaazy, but forgot
That madness isn't what you seek to project, or is that truly your plot?
There is time to work, worship, study, play and, for some, even be played
And garments for each activity that help our state of mind be conveyed
So wear whatever you may, with your Personality clearly in mind
Dress as wish to be addressed, and remember the world isn't blind"-KKD
-Excerpt from DAPPER DARKWAH'S DELIGHTS by Kwasi Kyei Darkwah, MA
for my blog launched on 11.11.11
