As Soroptimists we are committed to striving for International Goodwill and Understanding, particularly through the establishment of Peace in our homes, communities, and our world.
To mark the International Day of Peace 2008 SI Wales South invited young peopled aged 5-16 to contribute to PEACE POEMS- a poetry competition for the Wales South region. What was their vision of peace for their world?
We were delighted with the response, with several hundred imaginative entries arriving from across the region. The poems were a pleasure to read and after much deliberation 36 were chosen for publication in a Soroptomist Books of Peace Poems 2008, proceeds from which went to the SI Regional Lassa Fever Project.
Below are some poems featured in the book.
A White Moth Against a Dark Sky
Caitlin van Buren, age 11, Llandogo Primary School, Monmouth
Peace is there within your heart,
When all hope is lost,
Unlock that box and let it fly,
A white moth against a dark sky,
Over troubles and hate it soars,
Bringing light to troubled moors,
So unlock that box and let it fly,
A white moth against a dark sky,
The last thing in the world you see,
Is a white moth of peace and eternity.
Heddwch
Dylan Jones, 10 oed, Ysgol Gynradd Creigiau, Caerdydd
Mae’n hen amser i heddwch ddod i’n byd
Ymladd yn Irac, ymladd yn Affganistan,
Ymladd ym mhob man.
Ymladd yn yr ysgol, Ymladd ar y stryd, Ymladd ledled byd.
Ymladd ar y traeth, ymladd yn a parc.
Mae ymladd pob tro yn gadael ei farc.
Ond down at ein gilydd
A gwnawn byd Newydd.
Rhowch ymladd yn y gorffennol,
A heddwch yn y presennol.
Front cover of the book