a peace of change poems

Happy Easter, with love from Rwanda

Think change is impossible? Be inspired by these Change Poems written by courageous youth as part of activities at Peace Camp 2012.

Change Poem

I was… hopeless.

I remember… little children encouraged to kill.

I heard… people calling others animal names.

I saw… people mistreating their neighbours.

I worried… about the day after that.

I thought …it was the end of life.

But I want to change.

I am… built up with peace.

I think… of the world with love and peace.

I will try… to live in peace with myself.

I feel… so strong.

I forgive… all mistaken elders.

Now I can change.

I will… be a peace-builder.

I choose… to follow the bright side.

I dream… of making the world more peaceful.

I hope… to live in a wonderful place.

I know… I will make it in Jesus’ name.

I will change.

View Change Poems 2012 Presentation for more inspiring youth poems.

As we enter Holy Week, a time of intense sorrow but also incredible joy, we remember, reflect and celebrate the world’s greatest example of love and forgiveness – the death and resurrection of Jesus so that all can be reconciled to God and to each other. It’s a message of true peace. It starts with a personal choice to change.

The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis occurred on the eve of the Easter season. Neighbour sat beside neighbour in church and then some went about brutally eliminating their neighbour.  It’s a soul-wrenching reminder of the battle raging between good and evil in our world. Are we complicit? Complacent? Or are we committed to not being overcome by evil, but rather overcome evil by doing good? There are many youth in Rwanda who are committed to doing just that, to being peacemakers in whatever situation they find themselves in.

We believe it starts with treating each other with dignity, to listen, to show empathy, to help each other explore skills and talents. We encourage the use of the arts to stimulate creativity and sharing our stories, to discover common ground.

Join the change.

Photos: Johnny Lam Photography/A Peace of Life. All rights reserved.