Tuesday, September 21, 2010

International Peace Day 2010


Haiku for Peace
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'Neath skin dark or light
beats a heart that knows only
the colour of love...

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Children are the same the world over. The lively and curious youngsters I met in this African village in 2006 were kindred spirits to the giggling, rambunctious kids who frolicked through a shared childhood with my own offspring in Canada.
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To a child, each day is an adventure and life is always more about sharing than dividing. I propose this may be a recipe for serenity at any age...

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On this visit, one grinning young lad clasped onto my arms and would not let go. As he snuggled in close against me, I was reminded of my much-loved sons at that age, bursting as they were with the curious mixture of independence and affection that changed them from moment to moment as they grew into their own skin.
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How can it be that the complete acceptance we embrace in childhood so often dissipates by the time we reach adulthood?
I have not found the anwer to this question that so desperately needs explained. If we seekers of the world work together, is it not possible we may gain back the ability to trust and to share wholeheartedly? I have to believe it can be so.
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September 21st, 2010 is
International Peace Day.
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I am posting this haiku simultaneously here and on my other blog, Imagination Lane, to join my voice to the worldwide prayer that we may one day put an end to the madness of war...and that peace may then allow us to begin the long journey toward healing our fragile world.
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Let this peace be our bequest to the children of
today...and their promise for tomorrow.
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Namaste
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If you would like to know more about these wonderful youngsters, you might want to check out some earlier posts...

http://theimaginativetraveler.blogspot.com/2010/07/dreams-of-africa.html http://theimaginativetraveler.blogspot.com/2010/08/africas-true-treasure.html
http://theimaginativetraveler.blogspot.com/2010/07/giraffe-rescue-centre-kenya.html
http://theimaginativetraveler.blogspot.com/2010/07/forgotten-generation-aids-orphans-in.html

11 comments:

  1. dig your blog. will read more, for sure. thanks for posting your travels!

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  2. Beautiful, Lynette. How did I not know it is international peace day? I love your haiku, your photos and your words of peace and hope.........truly lovely.

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  3. Love your poem. In school, the first lessons you learn is which one is different. They give you 3 or 4 pictures and you have to find the one that doesn't belong. That's where it begins. You are rewarded for finding a difference and labeling it a fault. Find the thing and later the person that doesn't belong.
    We need to teach what is the same about different pictures and teach that we all belong. I think if we did that- we would see a different generation emerge.
    Hugs- Tete

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  4. Very insightful, Tete. Indoctrination can be insidious and begin with apparent innocence. We definitely need to find a more inclusive approach to teaching our children, both at home and at school, if we're to break the cycle of separation, and replace it with empathy and compassion...

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  5. A very moving post! Those children's faces are a picture of wonderment! And your haiku for peace is very beautiful!

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  6. I am so pleased to make your acquaintance. I just received your peace globe and it has been submitted as #1761 in the Official Peace Globe Gallery. blogblastforpeace.com

    The vibe here is genuine and real. Your blog is beautiful and I will be back to read more of your travels and views. I love the photo you placed on the globe and the sentiment found here for peace and global unity. We do owe it to the children to give them the gift of peace. Very touching post.

    See you November 4th. You will love this day in the blogosphere. I am amazed each year.
    Welcome to the movement.

    Mimi Lenox

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  7. The children are so vibrant and beautiful. Love this blog!

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  8. http://itistimetothinkformyself.blogspot.com/2010/10/october-birthday-wishes-and-awards.html

    awards for you,
    love your post..
    hope to see you in our Monday Poetry Potluck!

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  9. I'm struck by the thought that their view of the world was altered, in a wildly positive way, by your visit... & will be altered, again in a positive way, by your words here. You may never know how, or in what way, but I guarantee you have made a difference in the lives of those beautiful children... they obviously made a difference in yours.

    Peaceful weekend.

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I'm glad your travels have brought you to my little corner of blogland! I'm Lynette and I'm interested to know where you've been and what you think...