The Day I’d Swap Everything… for Giraffes

What’s a job you would like to do for just one day?

Funny question, that.

Because my first instinct is to say something sensible, something practical. Something that sounds like it belongs on a CV rather than in a silly daydream.

But if there’s one thing I’ve learnt from scribbling my way through life, it’s that the honest answers are rarely the sensible ones. 

So here it is—

If I could do any job for just one day… I’d spend it looking after giraffes.

Not for the glamour (I imagine there isn’t much when you’re elbow-deep in hay and whatever else comes with the territory), but for the quiet of it. The kind of quiet you only really get when you’re stood beside something that doesn’t rush, doesn’t shout, doesn’t demand explanations.

Just… exists.

There’s something about the idea of it that feels right.

Feeding them, watching those impossibly long necks sway as they move, seeing the world from a slightly different height—literally and otherwise. No emails. No noise. No rushing about trying to keep up with everything.

Just you, a creature that couldn’t care less about your worries, and a moment that asks nothing of you except that you’re there.

And maybe that’s the point.

Not the giraffes, really—though I wouldn’t complain—but the stillness. The stepping outside of your own head for a while.

Because sometimes, the best job in the world… is just one that lets you breathe a little.

Stay safe
Bc

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About Bob W Christian

Bob W Christian has been writing poetry for more than 20 years. He started as a way to help to process his thoughts and emotions as an autistic man, and to address the impact of CPTSD. As he wrote, and slowly gained the confidence to share his poems, he was given incredibly positive feedback, which spurred him to write more. During that time, he has written six books, and had numerous guest publications in books and magazines around the world. His work has earned several accolades recently, including recognition in the Dark Poet’s Club 2025 competition. Alongside poetry, Bob enjoys photographing nature and birds, and is often praised for his keen eye behind the lens. A husband, father and grandfather, he regularly shares his observations, reflections and creative work through his personal blog, The Ramblings of Bob Christian.

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