In this project, primary, middle and secondary students compose poetry expressing the concept of peace for our world. Any student who has participated in People to People International’s School and Classroom Program, Student Chapters, Student or Sports Ambassador Programs, Global Youth Forum, or Peace Camp may submit their peace poems to be considered for publication in our student newsletter entitled Our World.
Poems may be composed in any format or length and must be students’ original work. Our World is published each Spring and Fall. To be considered for the Spring issue, poetry is due by March 1st. To be considered for the Fall issue, poetry is due by October 1st. Poems may be submitted at any time.
Submit poems to Poems for Peace in Our World • School and Classroom Program • People to People International World Headquarters • 911 Main Street, Suite 2110 • Kansas City, Missouri 64105 USA •
816.561.7502 fax.
A signed parental permission form must accompany poems.
Please direct questions to Paige Leitnaker, Director of School and Classroom Program, at 816.531.4701 or
classroom@ptpi.org.
I Dream of a World of Peace
I dream of 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 of 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 of 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 of a world of peace,
Where people can live a life of ease!
Riken Shrestha (Nepal)
Peace
Peace is kindness, and the kindness to care.
Peace is sharing, not evil and spite.
Equality and fairness are the essence of peace.
Those who are full of these qualities are virtues,
Are peaceful indeed with those who surround them
And pass on this joy to those full of greed
And give wonderful memories to cherish and love
The ones who receive peace are great people of virtue
And should be remembered in our great books
of knowledge
For their actions are kind and give happiness to others
The needy need these people approach
For they can give food and a house which to live
The poor people of earth are known world ‘round’
But given no attention, save little gifts and toys
The people fog need peace most of all.
And those who receive peace need it least of all
If peace was widespread through all seven continents
Then all fighting and war, all battle and mayhem
Would be needless and pointless,
And it already is.
David Vessel (USA)
