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To thine own self be true...

Ben Cajee’s poem – Can you live with yourself?

Who created it?

Ben Cajee

 

Biography

Since 2015 Ben Cajee has been one of the main presenters on CBeebies as well as leading their Middle East links. Ben has also presented Match of the Day Kickabout, Blue Peter, BBC Live Lessons, BBC Bitesize Daily and live broadcasts on BBC Sport. Ben is a regular on Match of the Day on BBC One, presenting their community features.

 

My creative response

Can you live with yourself?

This above all, to thine own self be true

When you look in the mirror that person you see is you

Got to be able to walk along with your head held high

And think ‘Hey it’s OK – I quite like that guy!’

There are going to be times when things are tough

You’ll wake up in the morning and think, ‘Man, I feel rough!’

When life’s got you all caught up in a spin

And you just don’t know where to begin.

You’ll need to speak up, hold faith, stand tall

We’re told it’s how we bounce back after we fall

So answer me this and tell me no lies

Can you live with yourself, in this world, through those eyes?

 

About my creative response

“Well, I can’t draw, I’m not much of a singer, and I am not great at making things with my hands so I decided to write a poem and then film it. I chose a video as it is the thing I am most used to. I feel it helps me connect directly with an audience. I recorded it at home on my mobile during the lockdown in November.”

 

When have you been ‘true to yourself’?

“I really value honesty and truthfulness. It matters to me to be genuine and true in my presenting work across television and radio. Last year, I spoke about issues of equality, tolerance and kindness and these links went viral across social media. Speaking out about these things is a big responsibility (and some people can disagree and aren’t always nice to you) but I felt that it was important to stand up and use my voice and influence. The things I said have been viewed millions of times all over the world and hopefully they’ve connected with lots of people in different ways.”

 

 What is your favourite Shakespeare quote?

'The wheel is come full circle: I am here.' (King Lear)

 

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