poems about peace

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Nota: Compilação de poemas sobre a PAZ realizada pelos alunos

da Escola Secundária Dr. Joaquim Gomes Ferreira Alves no âmbito

do projeto Connecting Classrooms.

Ano letivo 2012/2013

2

Connecting Classrooms Europe –ENA Cluster

All Live In Peace And Harmony

As the world goes spinning round And everything seems upside down There isn't any organization any more Is nothing everlasting, must we live for just today Can no-one find the answer, to help in any way It's just a mixture of joy and sorrow Of laughter, and of tears Do we just dream about tomorrow And about the future years But the world would be a better place to live in If everybody just made up their minds Then we could all live in peace and harmony again Yes we should all live in peace, and harmony again Why can't we all live in peace, and harmony again We should all live in peace, and harmony

Vance Freeman

3


AMAZING PEACE

In our joy, we think we hear a whisper. At first it is too soft. Then only half heard. We listen carefully as it gathers strength. We hear a sweetness. The word is Peace. It is loud now. Louder than the explosion of bombs.

We tremble at the sound. We are thrilled by its presence. It is what we have hungered for. Not just the absence of war. But true Peace. A harmony of spirit, and comfort of courtesies. Security for our beloveds and their beloveds.

We, Angels and Mortals, Believers and Nonbelievers, Look heavenward and speak the word aloud. Peace. We look at each other, then into ourselves, And we say without shyness or apology or hesitation:

Peace, My Brother. Peace, My Sister. Peace, My Soul.

Maya Angelou

4


I Dream A World of Peace

I dream a world of peace Where people can live a life of ease World where there is no difference between rich and poor Life being pleasant for living ever more I dream a world of happiness Where there is no sight of selfishness Where each and everyone can get their needs And have belief in their deeds I dream a world of kindness Where people can know that value of love is priceless Where people could realize that of earth we are all children And to have a kind heart is better for all men I dream of a world of loving mates Where people can realize all are great Where people can know that in this earth With a kind heart people must give birth I dream a world of peace Where people can live a life of ease Riken Shrestha

5


Still I Rise

You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may trod me in the very dirt

But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?

Why are you beset with gloom?

'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells

Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,

With the certainty of tides,

Just like hopes springing high,

Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?

Bowed head and lowered eyes?

Shoulders falling down like teardrops.

Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?

Don't you take it awful hard

'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines

Diggin' in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,

You may cut me with your eyes,

You may kill me with your hatefulness,

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But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?

Does it come as a surprise

That I dance like I've got diamonds

At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame

I rise

Up from a past that's rooted in pain

I rise

I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,

Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear

I rise

Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear

I rise

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,

I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

I rise

I rise

I rise.

Maya Angelou

7


I took a walk the other day and I asked Peace to come with me. We walked in silence most of the way but then Peace whispered that she had something to say. She sang a song about Peace on Earth and held my hand in friendship She looked into my eyes in a compassionate way She danced like the wind on a calm summer’s eve, and then breathed a sigh which calmed my nerves. She made a wish that, by her hand, wars would end oppression would end And Justice would reign. Peace took me in her arms and rocked me to sleep And while I dreamed, Peace became me.

Aashima Khosla

8


Give Peace a Chance

Ev'rybody's talkin' 'bout

Bagism, Shagism, Dragism, Madism, Ragism, Tagism

This-ism, that-ism, ism ism ism

All we are saying is give peace a chance


(C'mon)


Minister, Sinister, Banisters and Canisters,

Bishops, Fishops, Rabbis, and Pop Eyes, Bye bye, Bye byes



(Let me tell you now)


Revolution, Evolution, Masturbation, Flagellation, Regulation,

Integrations, mediations, United Nations, congratulations




John and Yoko, Timmy Leary, Rosemary,

Tommy Smothers, Bobby Dylan, Tommy Cooper,

Derek Taylor, Norman Mailer, Alan Ginsberg, Hare Krishna

Hare Hare Krishna



John Lennon

9


Imagine

Imagine there's no heaven

It's easy if you try

No hell below us

Above us only sky

Imagine all the people

Living for today...

Imagine there's no countries

It isn't hard to do

Nothing to kill or die for

And no religion too


Living life in peace...

You may say I'm a dreamer

But I'm not the only one

I hope someday you'll join us

And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions

I wonder if you can

No need for greed or hunger

A brotherhood of man


Sharing all the world...

You may say I'm a dreamer

But I'm not the only one

I hope someday you'll join us

And the world will live as one

John Lennon

10


11


The Seeds Of Peace

May I plant the precious seeds of peace in my own soul, and may I tend and nurture this sweet crop with loving care and water it with the gentle rains of tender mercy May those seeds produce a harvest rich of kindness and compassion for my friends and for all humankind. And may this crop be not greedily devoured, but yet shared in equal portions, and ever passed around in generous spirit. And may the plenteous seeds of peace fall on the rich and fertile ground f warm and caring hearts in great abundance For as one tiny spore of peace produces but a small harvest, yet as time goes on, those seeds will multiply, as does faith’s grain of mustard. And the crop in time will yield a bounty most plentiful for our kind labours, with peace enough for all humanity, and the end of futile wars in all lands near and far. Carol Knepper

12


“ Where, after all, do universal rights begin? In small places close to home – so

close and so small that they cannot be seeen on any map of the world. Yet they

are the world of the individual person: the neighbourhood he lives in; the school

or college he attends; the factory, farm or office where he works. Such are the

places where every man, woman and child seeks equal justice, equal

opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless those rights have

meaning there, they have little meaning everywhere.”

Eleanor Roosevelt

13


My world...

I can say that if I were to make the

world, nothing would be in place where

it is. Everything would be quiet and

peaceful, but not too much, because the

situations are eccentric, fun and

different if there are adversities.

The society would be like a bird, free to

make their own choices, free to fly, but

also responsible, without leaving the

extremes.

The world would be green and blue ... would be like when we think of the

perfect world and we see children playing in a quiet place lively and fun.

But it wouldn’t be just quiet, it would be radical, it would be a place where we

could feel the adrenaline of real life, where we could practice and experience all

type of sports.

In my world there wouldn’t be wars and struggles, as they only lead to more

discussions, pain and sadness. People would accept each other, being friends

with each other. It could also mean that there would be no discussions ... I

mean ... more or less ... we would exchange ideas, because in my opinion it is

very important to know how to distinguish good from evil.

Then my world would be like this. It would

be different, outgoing, it would be radical

but also quiet and peaceful.

You can say that maybe it seems a world

that makes no sense, but this is my world.

A World at peace.

Catarina Velhote – 10ºC

14


Poem

This poem was nominated by the UN as the best poem of 2006

Written by an African Kid

“When I born, I black

When I grow up, I black

When I go in Sun, I black

When I scared, I black

When I sick, I black

And when I die, I still black

And you white fellow

When you born, you pink

When you grow up, you white

When you go in sun, you red

When you cold, you blue

When you scared, you yellow

When you sick, you green

And when you die, you gray

And you calling me colored??”

I really liked this poem and I can say that I scored! It was written by an African

child and we can see some mistakes, which isn’t significant because the poem

is amazing.

This poem talks about racism, it is one thing that makes me confused and I

don’t understand who doesn’t.

Everything that is written is true! Because we put aside and mistreat people of

color and we are those who change color.

Society must begin to understand and accept people of different color, because

we are all equal! And if we were in their place, surely we wouldn’t like to be

mistreated!


15


Discrimination

I decided to write this text because I've seen people being abused mainly

in a psychological way, just because of their colour.

For me discrimination is when people are treated badly because they are

from a different race, have a different color or have a different culture. It’s

also when people are abused because they are disabled.

An example of discrimination is when a man treats a boy badly because

he is disabled or has a different colour.

Of course, these acts have very serious consequences such as

intolerance, indifference, unhappiness... But the worst consequence of

being discriminated is when someone decides to commit suicide.

We shouldn’t discriminate other people, because what is important is how

people are and their feelings and not their race, color or culture. It is not

because a person has a different appearance that is better or worse than

another or more or less intelligent.

In order to stop discrimination, first everyone has to be aware of it and

change the mindset of society so there can be respect in society and a

social equality.


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In this text I would like to emphasize the contact between young people from

different cultures because I think it is very important. All of us must adapt

ourselves to everyone’s ideas, always learning something new with their

cultures and lifestyles and respecting them.

We live in a multicultural world and we know that all cultures are essential for a

stable world, always taking advantage of all that unites us. This is the only way

of living in a balanced and peaceful world.

As young people, we can make a big difference!

Giving the example through values such as justice, honesty and humility and

being critical of reality we will contribute to a better world.

The message I want to pass on through this text is:

All different, all equal!

Despite the diversity of cultures, all of us have something that unites us!

The well-known international company Benetton prepares several times

campaigns against racism and prejudice, calling for equality and respect among

human beings.

Mara

MaMara – 10º C

MULTICULTURALISM

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A story in the past… Christmas Night

That night was different from the others. That night was special.

On that night I dreamed a beautiful dream, so beautiful that I didn’t want

to wake up. And I didn’t want to wake up because, in that year, people around

the table were filled with good will and made a peace agreement that silenced

all the guns. And I didn’t want to wake up because in that dream there wasn’t

starvation too: in all the houses there was food, even some sweets to give to

the little ones. Their eyes sparkled with happiness ...

Our shining pine sang Christmas songs, transmitted joy and comfort to

our house. Under the tree, my brother and I wrapped Christmas presents and

counted all those glowing and sparkling balls. For us, it was special, no one had

a tree like ours. It was a tree made with much love and happiness, with the

most important people in our lives, with all the good things in life.

My mother was busy in the kitchen preparing her famous turkey. The

truth is, if the turkey was made by someone else, it wouldn’t be the same thing.

And my father received the guests and made the final preparations for that night

which was unforgettable. He was right, it was unforgettable.

When we were all at the table, something happened that I will never

forget. The person that I most admired appeared, the kindest person on the

Earth who only thought of satisfying the happiness of others ... My dear Santa

Claus.

With his big smile, he came to me and said:

"Christmas isn’t being around a table full of food or surrounded by

expensive gifts, but being together with our family and friends, united by

friendship and faith in Love. Enjoy all the good times of your life."

He pulled away from me, flashed me a look and walked away. For a child

so small, that message had the size of the world. I turned to my parents and I

gave them a hug, as big and as strong as my happiness.

It was the best gift that I have received until today.

Beatriz Couto

18


My land

The place I would love to go is a place without wars where money doesn’t

exist. People would be remunerated with words, magnificent words. And I

am thinking to myself, a word can be the best thing that can happen to

me. A word is worthier than money or things. This place would be special.

This place would be mine.

And this is how I describe it in detail: it has a warm blue sea, a beach with

brilliant sand, the sky is always blue and the sun is always shining. We

can do all we want but we have to respect the others. In this land people

don’t fight, people help each other. Everyone is happy. On the other hand,

on earth, some people aren’t cheerful, therefore they are mean.

In my land, the society is fair and perfect.

Maria Manuel – 10ºC

My land, the place I love is like this:

perfect but simple.

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If I were a bird …

A bird is a world

A drop falling

the opportunity

the loss

the experience

In the flight

It’s what people want to be

But they couldn’t.

We ignore the birds

we’re jealous of their liberty

But deep inside,

in spite of the words that we say

We continue having

the will of flying

far away…

To a place where we can get started again

But now in a shape of

A dreamer bird…

Maria Manuel – 10ºC

20


Hi,

My name is John and I’m eight years old.

This year my mom told me that I could send a letter to Santa Claus. that usually

happens every year but I didn’t want to send it this year. Do you know why? A

week ago my teacher in my school told me that there were a lot of children that

didn’t have even food to eat, that they didn’t go to school every day like us in my

country. And she told me there were a lot of poor children around the world. I

thought about that about and took a decision. I wouldn’t send a letter to the

north polo but to your country because I know that you are going through a very

difficult life.

My mom has become surprised with my choice, I didn’t understand why and I

explained that there are things more important than toys, and I told her that I felt

selfish to have all those things when other children didn’t. So if you can’t count

on Santa Claus, I prefer to send you my words to give you strength to go

through all your sorrow. You are my brother now and I care about you. Don’t

think about the evil human being because he does a lot of bad things too but we

can be happy in our own way. And I know that you will find your own way, I’ll

help you! We can be happy together. We can play together even afar. We can

be confidents. We can share our feelings and above all the things, we can live

the Christmas together!

The World will be better if we come together.

See you soon!

Sofia – 10ºC

21


“Education a right or a privilege?”

I think that Education is a privilege but that somehow is seen like

something bad and boring. There are a lot of children that dream every day to

go to school somewhere in the world. However, there are children that have the

opportunity to go and have a lot of sophisticated materials too. This proves that

the human being just misses something when he can´t have it.

When we ask to a child that goes to school every day by car, what she

thinks about school, maybe she would say that it is a right and is boring and is

exhausting and is… but if we ask to a boy in Africa that walks many miles on

foot to go to school every day, he will maybe say that he loves it and it´s the

most wonderful thing that he can have.

So this imbalance is very sad because there are the ones who have

many things that don’t even nearly use and don´t give appropriate importance to

and there are the others that don´t have the basic things for a good life. I hope

that one day this will be more balanced and the significance of things will be

worthier. I hope that one day we can say everybody has the right to go to school

and has the right to a proper education.

Sofia – 10ºC

22


Racism exists around the world.

Racists define one race as a group

of people who have the same

ancestry and differentiate the races

with the basis on physical

characteristics such as skin color.

In my opinion racism should not

exist, because we are all different,

but at the same time we are equal, we all have two eyes, a mouth, two ears,

one brain, one heart, we all have the same skills, know how to think and talk,

but what changes in us is our skin color and often our culture and origins.

Today there is a lot of racial discrimination, which results in polemics and

conflicts in societies. Many times we hear such nasty comments about the black

races. Also when there is a robbery, people tend to associate it to black people,

if a homicide happens, people associate it to the Gypsies, I think people should

not accept this type of prejudices, because we have always been taught to

respect others "different from us" and we all have the right to be respected.

The scorn, discrimination, the wars, the

lack of humanism have their origin in

racism. This prejudice has come from

generations to generations and to the

present day with the same kind of

influences from the past. Many of the world

wars, poverty, hunger, social inequities

resulting from racism and anti-racism will

be difficult to overcome, but it will not be

impossible.

Sara Vedor

23


I’m a bird.

I was in a cage.

It was big, beautiful, a place I could call home.

Except it wasn’t.

I’m a bird.

I was caged in a house I couldn’t call home

Simply because my owner and I didn’t sing the same song

And when we did, we did it in different keys.

I’m a bird.

One day, he opened my cage accidently

And I flew away.

I spread my wings;

I let the wind and the winter melody guide me.

The saddest, loneliest journey I had ever had.

The only journey I had had.

I’m a bird.

I ended up here,

Right in the middle of the beach.

But it’s okay.

I realize that the sea is my favourite thing

And being next to your first love is sure to be a good ending.

I’m a bird.

I was a bird.

Inês – 10ºC

24


A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

When Father Time met Mother Earth

he gave her a great big juicy kiss

Mother Earth’s temperature began to rise

now her life is filled with bliss

Father Time said to Mother Earth

“I will love you twenty-four hours a day”

to which Mother Earth replied “OOH! La La!”

then they began to play

Mother Earth then span with joy

that made Father Time tick

they were destined to be together

their encounter did the trick

Now Mother Earth wrapped in Father Time

as he embraces her twenty four, seven

eternally they are joined together

a match made in heaven.

Levi Tafari

25


MELANIN

Melanin I love you

you mean so much to me

Oh! Melanin your beauty

is far richer than the eye can see

my Melanin embraces me

from my head to my toes

Oh! Melanin I would never forsake

this I want you to know.

You lie with me

when I sleep at night

you guide me

through the day

you take me to

a higher height

I love to watch you play

I often face heavy abuse

when you’re out with me

some people haven’t got my Melanin

so they show their jealousy

but no matter what they say or do

it won’t stop me from loving you

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my Melanin

precious Melanin

the pigmentation of my skin.

Levi Tafari

27


OZONE FRIENDLY POEM

It won’t damage the EARTH

Or pollute the sea

It won’t psych your mind

Neither poison your body

These words have power

When used properly

Because

This poem is OZONE FRIENDLY

Words can sound creative

Words can sound great

We can use words instruct

And to communicate

These words are not destructive

Violating a tree

Because


My words take shape

They are organised

They won’t burn the EARTH’S skin

Like pesticides

They’re not manufactured using CFC’s

Because


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Digest these words

Feel positive

Don’t panic get stressed

They’re free from additives

You won’t regurgitate them

Like smoke from a factory

Because


These words are SAFE

I can testify

They won’t destroy the OZONE

LAYER

Beyond the sky

You can analyse this poem

In a laboratory

You’ll find


Recycle, regenerate

Don’t waste energy

Conservation of the EARTH

Is just apart of the Key

And I’ll keep using these words

Well naturally

You see


Levi Tafari

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There will be no Peace until there is Justice,

No Justice until there is Understanding,

No Understanding until there is Honesty,

No Honesty until there is Humility,

No humility until there is Wisdom,

No Wisdom until there is Love,

The Institute for the Study of Non-Violence

There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass

through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the

mountaintop of our desires.

Nelson Mandela

Let freedom reign. The sun never set on so glorious a human achievement.

Nelson Mandela

If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy.

Then he becomes your partner.

Nelson Mandela

I have nothing new to teach the world. Truth and Non-violence are as old as the

hills. All I have done is to try experiments in both on as vast a scale as I could.

Mahatma Gandhi

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The foundation of my beliefs is the same as it was when I was 10. Non-

violence.

Joan Baez

Non-violence is not a garment to be put on and off at will. Its seat is in the heart,

and it must be an inseparable part of our being.

Mahatma Gandhi

Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than

the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man.

Mahatma Gandhi

Non-violence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until

we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages.

Thomas A. Edison

Non-violence, which is the quality of the heart, cannot come by an appeal to the

brain.

Mahatma Gandhi

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I do not hold to non-violence for moral reasons, but for political and practical

reasons.

Aung San Suu Kyi

If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war

against war, we shall have to begin with the children.

Mohandas Gandhi

If in our daily life we can smile, if we can be peaceful and happy, not only we,

but everyone, will profit from it. This is the most basic kind of peace work.

Thich Nhat Hanh

To make peace with an enemy one must work with that enemy and that enemy

becomes one’s partner.

Nelson Mandela

One who breaks an unjust law must do so openly, lovingly, and with a

willingness to accept the penalty.

Dr. Martin Luther King

Our common humanity is more important than all the things that divide us.

Mairead Corrigan

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Nonviolence is the weapon of the strong.

Betty Williams

I believe history teaches us a categorical lesson: that once a people are

determined to become free, then nothing in the world can stop them reaching

their goal.

Bishop Desmond Tutu

I really do inhabit a system in which words are capable of shaking the entire

structure of government, where words can prove mightier than ten military

divisions.

Vaclav Havel

We are constantly being astonished these days at the amazing discoveries in

the field of violence. But I maintain that far more undreamt of and seemingly

impossible discoveries will be made in the field of nonviolence.

Mohandas Gandhi

Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon. which cuts without wounding and

ennobles the man who wields it. It is a sword that heals.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

“We must live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”

Martin Luther King Jr.

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/martin_luther_king_jr.html

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/23924.Martin_Luther_King_Jr_

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“Now there is a final reason I think that Jesus says, "Love your enemies." It is

this: that love has within it a redemptive power. And there is a power there that

eventually transforms individuals. Just keep being friendly to that person. Just

keep loving them, and they can’t stand it too long. Oh, they react in many ways

in the beginning. They react with guilt feelings, and sometimes they’ll hate you a

little more at that transition period, but just keep loving them. And by the power

of your love they will break down under the load. That’s love, you see. It is

redemptive, and this is why Jesus says love. There’s something about love that

builds up and is creative. There is something about hate that tears down and is

destructive. So love your enemies. (from "Loving Your Enemies")”


“The choice is not between violence and nonviolence but between nonviolence

and nonexistence.”


“Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it.

Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.”


“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or

in the darkness of destructive selfishness.”

Martin Luther King Jr





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“Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to

a night already devoid of stars... Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do

that.”


"If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can smile and blossom like a flower,

and everyone in our family, our entire society, will benefit from our peace."

Thich Nhat Hanh

"I was once asked why I don't participate in anti-war demonstrations. I said that

I will never do that, but as soon as you have a pro-peace rally, I'll be there."

Mother Teresa

"Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we

arrive at that goal."

Martin Luther King, Jr.

"It is no longer good enough to cry peace, we must act peace, live peace, and

live in peace."

Shenandoah proverb


http://www.wikihow.com/Image:Peacesayngno1.png


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"We look forward to the time when the Power of Love will replace the Love of

Power. Then will our world know the blessings of peace."

William Gladstone

"When my heart is at peace, the world is at peace."

Chinese Proverb

"There never was a good war or bad peace."

Benjamin Franklin

"Peace is always beautiful."

Walt Whitman

"If you yourself are at peace, then there is at least some peace in the world."

Thomas Merton

"If you scramble about in search of inner peace, you will lose your inner peace."

Lao Tzu



37


"The first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes within the

souls of people when they realize their relationship, their oneness with the

universe and all its powers, and when they realize that at the center of the

universe dwells the Great Spirit, and that this center is really everywhere, it is

within each of us."

Black Elk

"Better indeed is knowledge than mechanical practice. Better than knowledge is

meditation. But better still is surrender of attachment to results, because there

follows immediate peace."

Bhagavad Gita

"If in our daily life we can smile, if we can be peaceful and happy, not only we,

but everyone will profit from it. This is the most basic kind of peace work."

Thich Naht Hanh

"This is the way of peace: overcome evil with good, and falsehood with truth,

and hatred with love."

Peace Pilgrim

"What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family."

Mother Teresa

"Better than a thousand hollow words is one word that brings peace."

Buddha

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"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into

you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into

you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the

leaves of Autumn."

John Muir

"I believe all suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in

the selfish pursuit of their happiness or satisfaction. Yet true happiness comes

from a sense of peace and contentment, which in turn must be achieved

through the cultivation of altruism, of love and compassion, and elimination of

ignorance, selfishness, and greed."

Dalai Lama

If there is to be peace in the world,

There must be peace in the nations.

If there is to be peace in the nations,

There must be peace in the cities.

If there is to be peace in the cities,

There must be peace between neighbors.

If there is to be peace between neighbors,

There must be peace in the home.

If there is to be peace in the home,

There must be peace in the heart.

Lao Tzu

39


40


Dream of Peace

I know I don't know you

but I love you.

I know we are strangers

but I think a hug will do.

Don't have enough for your

milk? I will pay the rest.

It starts with one act, one

simple kindness.

World peace starts small,

it begins with one.

With one easy gesture

it has begun.

When we show care or concern,

express how we feel.

This is how our broken hearts

begin to heal.

It starts in one little town,

on the main street.

We start moving to a rhythm,

pulsing like a heartbeat.

It is a magical sound,

a catchy tune.

It spreads around the globe

and drifts to the moon.

41


This is my dream of peace. This is my hope of healing. It starts on a small scale. It starts with one feeling.

This world is a disaster, it has become a mess. We need to aim for the stars, reach for success. We must educate the people, let our voices be heard. The peace movement has begun, start spreading the word.

LauraSue Gutierrez-Simmons

42


Together In Unity

I see you on the street, and you too, see me.

Outside we are different – and not coincidentally.

We have our clicks, clichés’ and circle of friends

but you don’t understand me, or recognize where I fit in.

I seek your approval, your understanding of my form.

I do not appreciate your conderation to attempt to do me bodily harm.

I am in a position to do something special for you,

but you never welcome the opportunity so we will never see it through.

You see me on the corner, and I see you in the store,

our cultures are so adversely different so I choose to simply ignore.

Rather than seek understanding from something that challenges

what I already know,

I shut my heart, my mind and my bowels of compassion

by repressing and suppressing every emotion that could flow.

No smile for you today.

No, “you’re welcome” “thank you” or “please.”

I won’t even render a “God bless you,” when I hear you sneeze.

Why is it, if I am hurting you desire to make it even worse?

I tell you, hating is a disease and it’s something we practice and rehearse.

So many, different nations and colors of skin, as

43


beautiful as the rainbows are and the clouds that blend in.

Many are our afflictions but seldom do we portray

any regard for another, at least not for public display.

Actors on a stage and perhaps musicians on a string,

every instrument has a place and a unique sound to bring.

The springs run to the river and the rivers

to the seas, the seas to the oceans and supply water to the trees.

If nature can come together and all work hand in hand,

why humanity would think any different; is what I find hard to understand.

If we could come together and look through, our other pair of eyes,

maybe we could see pass what we are saying and instead just recognize;

recognize we all have a condition that somehow needs

a physician’s attention, whether physical or not.

Take a pill, a pill of agape love as medication and release our hatred on the spot.

Selfishness and unforgiveness will not heal our land.

Compassionate, caring people will, while using tender praying hands.

We, as a people have to begin to listen and communicate,

then reduce our self value and importance to our individual destinies’ that wait.

We could sit down to reason together and possibly work out a compromise,

one that would be effective in reducing killings, mutilations, basically to salvage human lives.

When you speak, I listen and vice-versa would be nice.

44


I hear what you’re saying and literally sleep on it or think on it once or twice.

Putting another above oneself and ones ways,

would be quite refreshing and exhilarating or what if we awakened

each morning with the thought of brightening each others’ days.

We need the salt to preserve and we need love to restore.

If we don’t have understanding then love is what we should explore.

Your blood inside is red, and all our blood is the same.

My heart beats, I breathe, eat and drink but why should any of this have to change?

We should all be able to come together and build up, in unity.

I respect your right as well, to agree or to disagree.

It’s not necessary to seek revenge, just be strong enough to accept that fact.

After all, we are supposed to be adults, so responsibly is how we are required to act.

For over two-thousand years hatred and discord has been in place

causing anguish, unnecessary hurt, shame and disgrace.

What would it hurt us to try something different, and revert back to basic law?

Love your neighbor as yourself and don’t pick at differences or claw.

Life used to be so peaceful, sleeping outside on front porch swings.

Children playing innocently and disclosing secret dreams.

Love was taught at home; strict rules were placed and kept.

I respect you and you respect everyone including yourself.

45


Prayer was welcomed and never offended.

Can we try to continue what God started

in order for our nations to be mended?

Come let us reason,

together in unity.

There is peace and healing waiting

and we each have the ability.

Come let us reason

together in unity.

For world healing and world peace

we all must care for change and take responsibility.

Come let us reason

together in unity.

I value you as a person

and will you also value me?

Loretta L. Hardrick

46


Short Story

- Name?

- Minaj.

- Age?

- 37 years old,sir.

-Country?

-Trinidad and Tobago.

- What are you coming for?

- Work, sir, if I can find one.

-Well then, you have 30 days to find a job and give us proof of it, or else you’ll

get deported. You can enter the country, now.

Needless to say, almost 20 years ago, he couldn’t find a job within the first 30

days. He stayed, anyway, trying to give me and my sister Salima a good life. He

has been working as a gardener for the Mayor for the last 18 years, and my

mother is an elementary school teacher. We are happy.

My name is Damion or Dejon, I’m not sure. On the first day of elementary

school, my teacher changed my name from Dejon to Damion, saying that, if I

wanted to live as an US citizen , I’d have to be named like one as well.

Now, I’m 18 years old, and since that day I’ve always been called Damion,

except at home.

The USA are at war. No, the USA are at war with my country and I have to fight

or else I’ll be deported. It’s the worst of wars: home against home.

I remember it was the day I arrived at the camp. I was tired and wanted nothing

more than to go back home. And then, I saw her. She was like an angel in the

middle of the hell that my life was.

Her name was Nicki and she was a nurse. I found myself finding the smallest

excuse to go to the medical centre just so I could see and talk to her. We talked

almost everyday. She helped me find my identity, so I fought for America.

47


Three months later, I was back at the camp and running towards the medical

centre to see her and ask her to marry me. And then I knew Nicki had been

killed in a rebel attack, because she was an immigrant like me.

Once again, prejudice won.

12º C

Inês Santos

Maria Alzamora

Maria Soares

Rafael Dias

48


Completely Free

I believe in freedom

I dream about a sunny day

With you and me

Discrimination away


I would like to be your slave

Your slavery makes me brave

Like the spirt of a whale


With no prejudice and wickedness

Just strong and equal people

Living with happiness


In a world of perfection

Where the smile prevails

As well as affection


With no gun

Just love and kisses

Nothing to hurt but fun


And freedom is all I believe

12º C

Gonçalo Neves

Maria Inês

Patrícia Pinho

Tatiana Pinto

Helena Pereira

49


12º C

“We find freedom inside, nowhere else, in the heart of every human being is

that one space which is free, which is filled wih harmony and which is full of love

and respect.”

Gonçalo Neves

“Freedom is always and exclusively freedom for the one who thinks differently.”

Patrícia Pinho

“You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace

unless he/she has his/her freedom.”

Maria Inês

50


Freedom and Peace

My freedom, our freedom

You free my soul

You relax our minds

You give wings to my body

I feel you inside me

I think abou you

You accompany me

You are good for our life

And we lik to be your slave

Peace is our freedom

Our friendship

And the harmony between us

We just dream about it

A world in complete tranquility

We breathe this, this inspires us

12ºC

Catarina Oliveira

Filipa Teixeira

Isabela Teixeira

Mariana Matos

51


This image transmits a real and an important message, a message

against racism and prejudice. These bodies make us reflect upon our attitudes

to our own race, the human race. Sometimes we forget that in spite of our

differences, colour of skin, colour of eyes, body shape or even our religion, we

are all human .The black, the white, the gay, the straight, the religious, the

atheist, me, you, all of us can forget our race’s problems and start our lives with

a new spirit. Besides being black, white, Asian or European we are all HUMAN

BEINGS! But if no one makes this effort, the world will be destroyed earlier than

we think!

All different, all equal

Maria Manuel – 10ªC

52


Short Story

Freedom

Hi, my name is Walter and I am 7 years old. I’m from South Africa and I

live in a village called Kraal.

It’s the Year of 1960. Every night I have nightmares, I see my family being

hurt by the white ones. They say I can’t understand but they are wrong. My life

is the nightmare. Every day I wake up before the sun to fetch water with my

mom and sisters. On the way home when the sun is already up; I see pretty

girls on the other side of the road going to school hand by hand with their

fathers, living their perfect lives, while I’m on this side of the road, carrying

water, surviving each day at a time.

However, I can dream and I have a big dream. I dream that one day we

could have a real house, living in a world where children like me could live next

to the children like them, be allowed to go to school and learn like them, be

capable of being on the same side as them. I have a dream that one day I can

be free.

I didn’t survive to see my dream come true, but I’m happy that finally Black

and White can play together.

12ºC

Ana Rita Neves

André Chaves

João Monteiro

Helena Lopes

poems about peace

Documents

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