Depending on your lens I am friend or foe

Louis Amstrong was right when he sang, “What a wonderful world.” This world is a great place and we, the ones who are occupying this beautiful planet, we are blessed with being different. How boring would it be if we would all be the same? 

So many beautiful people on this planet. Different cultures, races and religions. We should embrace each other and not be afraid to accept those, who are different from us.

Does is really matter what God we pray to? Does the  color of our skin or our sexual preferences define us? I don’t think so. I think we are defined by the way we treat others. We can either widen our horizon or shrink it. It’s our choice.

Look at me! I am different, I walk to the sound of my own drum. I am culturally diverse. I am European and I am American. There are two souls in my chest and two hearts beating at the same time.

Am Diversity, Please Include Me

I ‘m present in every place you go

Depending on your lens I’m friend or foe

I’m a force to be reckoned with

Like the winds of change I move. I’m swift.

I’m present when two or more are together

If embraced, I can make the good even better.

I’m not limited to age, gender, or race.

I’m invisible at times and yet all over the place.

Don’t exclude me due to a lack of knowledge

Welcome me like the recruit fresh out of college.

Let me take my seat at the table

Even though I may be differently able

My experience, my passion the authentic me

Can help add value for your company.

Learn about me; improve my under-representation

And I can provide a competitive edge to your entire nation.

I exclude no one I am strengthened by all

My name is Diversity and yes I stand tall.

Recognize me and keep me in the mix

Together there’s no problem that we can’t fix.

I am your best hope towards true innovation

And to many, I reflect hope and inspiration.

Your lives and companies will continue to change

Thus the need for Diversity and Inclusion will also remain.

Do all that you can to truly embrace me

And experience life’s fullness totally

I’m the thought lurking behind the unfamiliar face

I’m the ingenuity that helps your team win the race.

I’m the solution that came from the odd question that was asked.

I stand out in the crowd when I, Diversity, am allowed to be unmasked.

I’m diversity embrace me and we’ll journey far.

I’m Diversity include me and we will reach the shining star.

Coupled with Inclusion our lights burn longer

Together we are smarter, better and stronger

I am Diversity

Yes, that’s me

 by Charles Bennafield

Diverse