Disapproval for 2006

By Sarah-Jane Hollands, Poetry Correspondent
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I thought long and hard about my New Year's message. 2005 has for me, been a year of personal growth and change, but I don't want to dwell too much on what has gone. I would prefer to concentrate on the year ahead - a blank page with many possibilities.

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Anyone who knows me, will be aware of my love of words, so I thought it apt to choose a poem for my New Year posting.

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This, by Sophie Hannah, is one of my particular favourites and the message is simple - one shouldn't be concerned with the regard one is held in by others.

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My mantra is "those that mind don't matter and those that matter don't mind"

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A happy, healthy, provocative very British new year to you all!

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If People Disapprove of You.

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Make being disapproved of your hobby.

Make being disapproved of your aim.

Devise new ways of scoring points

In the being disapproved of game.

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Let them disapprove in their dozens.

Let them disapprove in their hordes.

You'll find that being disapproved of

Builds character, brings rewards.

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Just like any form of striving.

Don't be arrogant; don't coast.

On your high disapproval rating.

Try to be disapproved of the most.

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At this point, if it's useful,

Draw a pie-chart or a graph.

Show it to someone who disapproves.

When they disapprove, just laugh.

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Count the emotions you provoke.

Anger, suspicion, shock.

One point for each of those and two

For every boat you rock.

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Feel yourself warming to your task -

You do it bloody well.

At last, you've found an area

In which you can excel.

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Savour the thrill of risk without

The fear of being caught.

Whether they sulk or scream or pout,

Enjoy your new-found sport.

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Meanwhile all those who disapprove

While you are having fun

Won't even know your game exists

So tell yourself you've won.

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