Presents SONGS of PEACE: the WORLD's BIGGEST POETRY ANTHOLOGY of CONTEMPORARY POETRY 2020

The League OF Poets

Presents SONGS OF PEACE: THE WORLD’S BIGGEST POETRY ANTHOLOGY OF CONTEMPORARY POETRY 2020

With our cordial Sponsors:

VesyJosh Art & Interior BaloArt Impacting Life

First edition 2020

Edited by Balogun Iyanu

Editorial Assistants: TLOP Publishing Team.

Email: [email protected]

Check the back of this anthology for further information about anthology

All publications are copyrighted with the Copyright Act Chapter C28 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 (Copyright Act). All individual poetry remains a life-time property of the author.

The League of POETS publishes international poetry in English, with a strong translation section, critical articles, and reviews. All submissions are on the theme of peace, equity, harmony, love, justice and oneness.

First Printed in Nigeria

ISBN: 13-979-8-6245-5762-8

For our competition updates, info and queries please visit:

www.theleagueofpoets.home.blog

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the editors. This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher's prior consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

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“I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality…” -Martin Luther King.

DEDICATION

This anthology is dedicated to the world, to the peace martyrs and peace advocates of the world. And to everyone who contributed one way or the other to the success of this collection.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The jury and editors wish to thank God for the inspiration and the supportive motivation to embark on this historical competition. The jury and editors also like to thank: Mary Lyn Luiz, Joseph Spence Sr., Assist Prof. Sahjahan Ali Ahmed, Charles David and Timothy Payton for guest-writing the introductory feature in this Anthology.

The League of POETS gratefully acknowledges the generosity in the support of the following persons/poets:

Pastor Praise O’ Judah, The founding pastor of Praise Revival Apostolic Ministries PRAM, (Nigeria), Founder, Poetry Abilities. Young Francis (Liberia), Williamsji Maveli (India), Assistant Professor of English Barpeta College, India, Sahjahan Ali Ahmed (India), Prof. Joseph Spence Sr. (USA), Alemseged Wolderamin (Ethopia), B.T Success (Nigeria), Balogun Segun Joshua (Nigeria), Balogun Femi (Nigeria), Bolanle Asogba (Nigeria), Mr & Mrs Balogun (Nigeria), (Robert Gillette (USA), Mary Lyn Luiz, Adriatik Jace (Albania), Philip Mainge (Kenya), Dr. Rinzin Rinzin (Bhutan), Jr. Anderson (USA), Nina Watkins (USA), Ilufoye Noah Adekunle (Nigeria), Ate Mamu (Philippines), Elizabeth Maranan Cahimbing (Philippines), Kelly Richard Johnson (Nigeria), Ven-Lyn Valdez (Hong Kong), Bolanle Asogba (Nigeria), Wendy Ronhausen (USA), Timothy Payton (USA), Alexander Samson Cruz (Philippines).

The League of POETS appreciates with heartfelt thanks from our sponsors: Impacting Life, Vesyjosh art and interiors, BaloArt and internet makeover247.

We thank the below organizations for the supportive promotion of the contest on their platforms: Almond Press, National Poetry Library, United Kingdom, National Poetry Library, Ireland, Freelance Writing, Bylines, Inkitt and Christopherfielden.com.

We want to also thank groups and poetry organization that joined in the peace movement of this anthology.

OUR GLOBAL TOP ORGANIZERS/ADMINISTRATORS

Balogun Iyanu Founder, The League of POETS

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Bio: Balogun Iyanu is a Nigerian international motivational speaker, life-coach, song writer, artist, web designer, blogger, freelancer, song writer and award winning poet who holds a diploma in literature from Peru, His poems have been translated to 16 different languages. He was nominated as part of the top ten best poets in the world in 2019, Ethiopia. He has won honorary life-time certificates from India, Liberia, Peru, Nigeria, Philippines, America, Germany, Zambia etc. He presides as the founder and executive head of the league of POETS with its affiliated group Young Writers Forum. His first novel titled “Survivor of Truth” will be published this year. His affiliated group YOUNG WRITERS FORUM has administrators from the United States of America, Bhutan, Kenya and Nigeria with a goal to promote global peace through young literature. Balogun has written many articles in different publications inspired by his strong Nigerian patriotism, his essay “The Nigeria of My Dream” made him a finalist of the German world youth essay competition in 2018. He is a winner of GLS top critical mass builder global merit certificate for literature. India 2019. He was honored by merit a distinguished poet by Poetry Abilities. Liberia 2019. He is a winner of Inked with magic certificate of silver awards, Nigeria 2019. A Winner of India’s voice review certificate India, 2019, a winner of Poetry City Influencer Award, Nigeria, 2019. Balogun has been interviewed on winning a monthly prompt and a summer anthology from the U.S. and Philippines, namely International Art and Literary Review (IALR) and Poetry planet. Balogun has co-authored in the Circle of Life anthology, India’s Signature of Truth, Reminiscing Summer anthology and Stairway to Heaven anthology Philippines, among others. Balogun is a recipient of the prestigious peace certificate: “international peace and human rights ambassador” from the world literary forum for peace and human rights, Bhutan. Balogun has been awarded amongst others the prestigious international WEWU Indian award for literature, 2019.

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Ven-lyn Valdez Hong Kong The League of POETS SOPWBAOCP Chief Jury 2019-20

Asogba Bolanle Nigeria SOPWBAOCP Chief Jury, Nigeria. x

Elizabeth Maranan Cahimbing Philippines The League of POETS Administrator

Dr. Rinzin Rinzin Bhutan Affiliated group administrator : Young Writers Forum xii

Williamsji Maveli India Affiliated group administrator : Young Writers Forum SOPWBAOCP Coordinator 2019

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Alemseged Sisay Wolderamin SOPWBAOCP Group Head xiv

Philip Mainge Kenya Affiliated group administrator : Young Writers Forum

Kelly Richard Johnson Nigeria

The League of POETS Administrator

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Ate Mamu Philippines The League of POETS Moderator xvii

Nina Watkins United States Affiliated group administrator : Young Writers Forum xviii

Ilufoye Noah Adekunle Nigeria The League of POETS Moderator

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Samantha Beardon United Kingdom The League of POETS Administrator

INTRODUCTION

The human life is a copy-book of achievements and failure which has a genesis record of progressing into a radical gravitating change of experience and exposure. We live to struggle against the prophesying pillar force that determines the meaning of our lives, the purpose of life or the existence of our lives. These pillars represent questions of who we are, what our purpose is here on earth and if life exist outside the prison walls of our planet. Our ideology of life is multilateral and multicultural. And this splits the unity of our minds; A man knows he has only one life to live so he says to him “I must live my wish”. He antagonizes his fellow being for sinister gain, he goes far to bankrupt his country, amassing wealth his life can’t see finish and war erupts in thunderous sounds like a volcano. We set fuel that lit up chaos, we discovered the advancement that took us by arm’s length yet we have refused to plummet into the thought that we had done so long ago. The current craze for wild wealth in the world has overtime boggled even our minds; something has tweaked in our minds that amassing stolen wealth is a normal thing. The alarming crux about this is the fact that it is the youth of today that flaunts in that direction. The youth is an embodiment of the future and there can be no future without the youth. If the youth who is ripe in his time to dazzle and glisten in a spark of hope, expectation, hard work, determination and insight of a brighter future than his generations is annulling this and blasting his ear drums with electronically amplified rock ‘n’ roll, following the wild vulgarity in dress morality and pronouncing it fashion, watching violent videos and swaying with the backward modernized mirror of the world, what will be our future? The youth must know his role in the modern world because the youth represents the peace of the future and the war that may exist in it. The axiomatic purpose of the world’s youth must be related to peace, how to attain it and why it must be attained. We are feel honoured to publish the winning entries of the youth because we are aware that we are publishing the peace of the future. For there have shown maturity in their poems and have exhibited a great sense of mission, purpose, and want in achieving the peaceful world every peace advocate dreamed of. This collection compiles poems deep in the immersion of peace, harmony, true love, justice and self-courage from 1,000 poets aged 16 and above all around the world. The first part of the anthology is majored in peace poems which are followed by peace harmonizing themes from part two. Selected poems where judged by our juries. Poets have written with a great distinction against anti-peace. This not only helped the purpose of this anthology but ignited it as well. This anthology is a perfect dictionary of peace poetry any student anywhere in the world can study, read and confide in. because some of the poems denotes xxi

the truths of life. Part of our intention is to basically motivate readers in that direction. For the poems will do far more than inspire the world in that direction, as it will be a source of motivation. A motivation strong enough to give a wing to a liability cockroach who dares to fly a dung hill, one-winged! This motivation will affect the student reader positively in many ways such as; knowing that there is no solidity that a law can be forcefully coerced or imposed upon the majority by the minority, there can be no jurisdiction without unification, there can be no harmony without love, there can be no hope without expectation, there can be no trust without truth etc. poems in this anthology has been specially judged, selected and randomly listed to positively motivate readers emotionally, psychologically, politically etc. This is part of the notions that inspired the offspring for the peace major theme. Just like a crime fiction novel, a visitor to the world of crime fiction would expect two things more entire; the galvanized suspense of breakneck action and the perfect environment for a bad deed. This compilation is not just the inverse of this but as well as the layout of this. Poets in this collection have immersed themselves in shrewd prowess of inspiration and obligation writing about peace not just from one perception or point of view which a visitor to the world of peace anthologies might expect but from a faceted angle that mirrors life. We are so happy that these poems have not only been literally spilled on paper for peace but published for peace, for eternity the poems will no longer be a thought extension of the poet but also an illumination light of peace in the minds of many down the ages of time. We have successfully compiled in two parts the biggest poetry collection in history, 1-500 and 500-1000. The competition online for this anthology saw over 26, 000 engagements from 139 countries of the world, making it the world’s biggest peace anthology online movement. However, with the world population estimated to be over 7 billion people, war still remains a major enemy of the human race. The major recipe for stunted growth in today’s world abounds in chaos and crisis which in time leads to the underdevelopment of a nation. Since the beginning of mankind conflict has been endemic in our society, our world has remained a theatre of war and chaos and our development has become the advancement of our weapons, from the genesis of self-propelled catapult to the revelations of war headed missiles. The nexus between peace and poetry makes for a coherent social and political order for the voice that calls and fights for peace is mankind’s only hope against the oblique forces behind the spate of bombings, killings and maiming in today’s world. Even though conflict is endemic in human society. In a most peaceful and lucid effort to ensure conflict is decreased we present voices of peace, vanguards of history, and poets from different countries and multicultural and ethnic diversities of the world. We The League of POETS believe that if crisis is to continue man’s efforts to resolve or manage them must equally continue. We have done that here by observing harmony and unity through poetry towards all nations and cultivate peace and passion in words

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Balogun Iyanu Founder/Executive Head of the League of POETS.

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His Excellency, Dr. Amb. Prof. Joseph S. Spence, Sr., USA (Epulaeryu Master).

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FORWARD

Greeting my dearly beloved brothers and sisters, The League of Poets, is a renowned poetry organization effectively and efficiently participating in the worldwide community of poets. It proliferates ethics, and integrity through dynamic literary essence uplifting and inspiring worldwide humanity with dignity, honor and respect. The league is an international poetry organization, committed to promote world peace through literature. Since 2018, it has grown to an international presence of dynamic and impressive poets. It has enthusiastically organized anthologies, poetry video contests, and a variety of distinctive poetry competitions worldwide for everyone’s participation and appreciation.

Congratulations to each of you with your inspirational poetry submissions for being a part of this visionary excellence of “Promoting World Peace through Poetry.” This is one of the organizational missions, visions, and historical approach to achieve world peace through poetry. With its administrators residing in Nigeria, Hong Kong, India, United States of America, Bhutan, Kenya, United Kingdom and the Philippines, the League takes it as a prodigious honor to launch the world’s first largest quantitative, and most edifying qualitative anthology of contemporary poetry for 2020, “Song of Peace.” This is created, assembled, to be made available for your reading and pleasure, uplifting the acquisition of prolific poetry knowledge and skills through freely given experience, years of study, and/or by being taught online.

“Songs of Peace,” is the most substantial poetry competition for the first time, and is the most voluminous contemporary poetry anthology in the world. Entries were received from thousands of poets around the planetary sphere consisting of 139 countries. They are from far-flung nations such as: Vietnam, Romania, Mexico, South Korea, Mauritius, United States of America, Greece, and many others. A body of dedicated poets was diligently selected, and decided to inquire into all matter of facts, and to give their decisions according to the evidence before them.

These jurists had undergone the arduous task of selecting one-thousand winners from all the entries received. It’s was the League’s greatest pleasure to publish the top one-thousand poetic winners, in a normal presentation at its gracious administrative headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria, on February 10, 2020, on its informational domain—website. It is great to see poets from all around the world demonstrating inspiring feelings and showing uplifting pleasure and satisfaction in participating for a global peace cause. This should satisfy existing anxiety knowing the names and countries xxv

selected, and unifying decision of the jurists assembled cementing the performance of this endeavor.

This published anthology can be ordered universally in print and e-book online. The anthology will be translated into the ten most spoken languages of the world with a global free online distribution of copies. Honorary certificate of life-time achievement was issued to each of the one- thousand poets emerging as winners from this historic precedence.

“Song of Peace,” an anthology promoting world peace through literature, a first of its kind, is packed with eloquent words of inspiration, uplifting the mind, body and soul. The proliferation of poetic language from the emerging era articulated by the one-thousand poets selected is: distinctly creative, clearly stimulates the senses, sharply innovative, cleverly invented, precisely ingenious, and unmistakably imaginative. These poets, and their poetic articulations are an expressive necessity and a must read—instantaneously!

They demonstrate the critical conventions of: English literature, creative writing, poetry, evolution of critical thinking, and excellence of thoughts, words, and deeds. Additionally, they bestow the quintessence of: analogy, emphasis, imagery, metaphor, rhyming sequencing, tense, active verbs, cliché, syllable, narration, personification, description, enjambment, and many more principles and architectural construction of poetic embodiment, pattern, stanza, form, style and semblance ever created.

My dearest thanks and appreciation are conveyed with much respect and high esteem to the following dynamic organizers, jurists, administrators, and moderators, for their due diligence in ensuring the initiation and completion of this first of a kind, and monumental worldwide anthology instituting and signifying this precedence of poetic preeminent proportion. God said “My peace I give unto you.” Therefore, live in peace, proliferate peace, and walk in the path of peace with love and happiness!

His Excellency, Dr. Amb. Prof. Joseph S. Spence, Sr., USA (Epulaeryu Master). xxvi

His Excellency, Dr. Amb. Prof. Joseph S. Spence, Sr., USA (Epulaeryu Master)!

Senior Advisor to Motivational Strips Poetry Platform Founder, Honorable Shiju H. Pallithazheth, Oman.

Inducted Indie Poets Wall of Fame (2020) High Inspiration Poet, World Pictorial Poetry (India, 2020) Ambassador of Humanity (Morocco, 2020) Order of Shakespeare Medal (Muscat, Oman 2020) Peace-Man Award (Morocco, 2019) World Poetry Star, World Nation Writers Union (Kazakhstan, 2019) Ambassador De Literature Award (Oman, 2019) Golden Badge Award (Oman, 2019) Noble Starr of Literature Award (India, 2019) Living Legend of the 21st Century Award (India, 2019) Master of Creative Impulse, Philosophique Poetica (India, 2019) Pentasiv B World Friendship Poetry Award (Philippines, 2019) Poetry Gold Medal Honor Award (Nigeria, 2019) Ambassador, Human Rights, Diplomacy, & World Peace Award (Indonesia, 2019) Sheriff Badge Award (Soul Thoughts Poetry 2019) Poetry Bard Award (UK, 2010) Expert Author Award (EzineArticles, USA, 2010) Outstanding Poet Award (University of Wisconsin English Department, USA, ‘09) Ambassador of Spirit and Community (Uzhupis Republic, 2009) Independent Poetry Laureate (The Poet’s Workshop, USA, 2007)

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“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” –Desmond Tutu A SHORT INTRODUCTION TO GLOBAL PEACE BY SAHJAHAN ALI AHMED ASSIST PROF. BARPETA GIRLS COLLEGE, INDIA.

Bio-profile: Sahjahan Ali Ahmed is an Assistant Professor of English at Barpeta Girls' College, Assam, India. He writes poetry and short stories both in English and Assamese, reviews and translates too. His writings have been featured in more than 20 International Anthologies. He's been winner of around 200 International Poetry Contests and recipient of more than10 Awards from various International Poetry Groups.

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"PEACE" is the most desired social or mental state in the violence torn world today. It's the primary condition for mental uplift or social development. 'Peace' refers to tranquility or free from violence in simple sense. It has two aspects - mental and social. Mental peace refers to one's personal tranquil state of mind and social peace means the much needed harmony or absence of hostility among the citizens of a society. Mental or inner peace is the root of most of the creative works or inventions. Personal peace always affects the social peace. A quarrelsome man always finds fault in others and creates disturbance in the society. So were searching peace in society, we are to be peaceful ourselves first. In this context famous Buddhist Monk Dalai Lama said, "We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves." In olden days when people spent most of their times in gathering food wandering homeless from place to place, they could hardly manage time to think of development. Gradually when they discovered agriculture and began taming animals, they had some sort of peace which they utilized in thinking and inventing things never before known and thus laid the foundation of civilization and thus the march of progress got its gradual momentum. Social unrest always retards progress. When hostilities break out between two in a society, it affects both of parties. So, to restore peace both the parties must extend hands because "You can’t shake hands with a clenched fist," said India Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India. By and large all wants peace, yet violence often overrules it. Personal greed, desire for political supremacy, discrimination in the name of color, creed or language, injustice or deprivation of a group of people by others, are some of the root causes of man-made breach of peace in society. Moreover, natural calamities like flood, earthquake, famine, epidemic diseases may also affect peaceful living in a society. The present world is a global village. When one part of it is affected by disturbance, the rest can't remain untouched. The world has already witnessed two great World Wars and their devastations. They have seen how destructive an atomic bomb can be! The world leaders have framed international laws to restore peace, to enhance development, to drive away poverty, to control epidemic diseases through various agencies of United Nation's Organization such as Security Council, WHO, UNICEF, IMF, International Court of Justice etc. Though all these organizations are actively working, yet thundering sounds of bombs, missiles, and provocative voices of many lunatic world leaders are heard from east to west of the world today. The bitter relationship between North Korea and America, the Middle-East Crisis, Israel-Palestine Conflict, worsening India - Pakistan relationship is some of the major political issues disturbing the world peace today. Besides, some terrorist organizations are also causing constant disturbance in many parts of the globe. xxix

Now it's high time to establish peace in the world today or in case the world faces a third World War, who knows that may bring a total catastrophe to the existence of whole living beings on earth! We must know peace never comes through the barrel of guns. So, instead of spending huge public money on amassing Weapons of Mass Destructions, the world leaders should fight against poverty, illiteracy, epidemic diseases and create an ambience of tolerance and understanding among the nations of the world because "An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind"(Mahatma Gandhi). Communal harmony, tolerance and mutual understanding are the seeds of peace and we must sow them in our hearts for the betterment of our personal as well as social peace. Once Einstein said, "Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding." Yes, were telling others to be peaceful, we ought to learn to be peaceful ourselves. Every problem has a solution, as such whenever any dispute arises, instead of fighting tooth and nail; we are to come to the negotiable table. Let's listen to what Mother Teresa said, "Peace begins with a smile" and as such learn to greet everyone with a smile.

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PEACE IS UNITY BY CHARLES DAVID

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Charles David Ogbeche is a young Noble Nigerian writer and computer engineering student. His deep passion for social, cultural and environmental values, combined with demonstrative inputs towards changing the world has reached ample people. He is the Co-Founder and Forum Director at INKED WITH MAGIC™ (2019). He believes in the service of humanity.

“Peace on this planet will not be forged by military strength. It will be forged by those who come together despite their government’s differences.” -Dan Brown, Deception Point

Peace is our banner, the ideal purpose of every writer is to uphold it, embrace it, practice and enhance the peaceful coexistence of all round humanity. In general perspective, writers rummage every part of life with the simple form of demonstrative support in creativities involving styles of presenting them (Arts, Music, Film, Sports and Literature) for public attention. Every situation definitely becomes important when it rises as a community or together agreement to the notice of higher and prominent personalities who can take the influence of their power to dissolve menaces in our community. We believe in what we do: ample efficiently effective changes and testimonies to what we do. It becomes our own priority and happiness to bear the involved consequences to keep headlong on separating the good from evil in our society today. These roles now continue to spread spaciously in Literary Platforms, Organizations, Non profitable initiatives and Global Demonstrative Movements flying the banner of our purpose as Ambassadors of peace. All our demonstrated strong desire to help mobilize public support for the cause of perfect living with the greatest achievement of peace, are in one way or the other related to our good, that is because if peace abides in our working areas, matrimonial homes, organizations and communities, there's all possibility that we are also alongside. That's the only profit every slated prominent personality in whatever field of public support to humanitarian development should look up to; the purpose of art, sciences and Literature. Here in between the pages of this world’s biggest anthology of contemporary poets 'SONGS OF PEACE', there's persistence that peace must dwell among our nations and shelters. Our broken homes, excavated cities and destroyed efforts must enliven by these masterpiece of different scripts containing mindsets of1000 (one thousand authors) from about 106 countries around the whole wide world to stand against the reverberating adversities and firmament of mankind. The pioneer of this gait of soldiers, Revered Balogun Iyanu has done a great job in compiling all the works together, also for the creative reasoning to realize the importance of Global Peace Awareness in our community today. xxxii

It is the appropriate time to pray and keep focused on our strength to fight illicit exploitations and the spread of disorderliness. The world is becoming hot for people; some are falling while others are rising. We have to rise together and fight for what we deserve to acquire. But it first starts from our own surroundings, in-depth and wholly. The focus of this book remains pointed at the victory of peace and its relevance in public life. It takes only the heart that seeks to find it, only the languishing and desiring soul to be consorted. Every line and every word, every page and every paragraph are singing the songs of peace they know, for every heart and soul to sing along. Peace is our own legacy, to pass unto the foresight and heart bearing of all behind us. It is only what the creator of men puts at heart, and as every man quest for a good ending, let the place he desires be made his. All best wishes and gainful outcomes of positive response to the round reach of all chanced to read the exhibition of a thousand authors, all best wishes to the success of the anthology and profound Literary Community 'THE LEAGUE OF POETS'. It’s a historic remark and reputed publication without blight of harm or bias against and/or opposing any actual person, organizations or feelings. The literature of this book is as pure as a writing slate.

'SONGS O F P EACE' Tis writ's the best marches upon mules into the desert, Countries and homes infested with hostile and disdain, Men marching forth on elegant hymns; caravans and pilgrim, Let the cadence crunch by the vibes of the restless tramples, Brothers with peace banner unfurled by the city outskirts, Soldiers to defend and daises to lead with positive thoughts, And Oh' chanting along the songs of peace in their amber, The cloud may furnish blue and rays of lights leaping divine, Then men who wholly around odious instincts that's fanciest, May turn their palms towards the mold of unfading tranquil, Let the universe turn with a heavy noisy gait against vices, Marching on tunes by regulated minuet, waltz and cotillion, For those whose worth is recompense and unfailing help, xxxiii

May rise with the breath of the oceans and limbs of the winds, Singing along with the pained shield of their souls renewed, The flapping breeze to blow all wistful and intense memories, The Heavenly downpour to refresh and wash the teary eyes, All desires; a living life to live, and all pains; the thrill to peace, Deeds fordone; a perfect future, songs of peace; all days’ joy, And earth a haven for the sojourn and unborn facts of life.

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POETRY AND PEACE GO HAND IN HAND BY MARY LYNN LUIZ

Mary Lynn Luiz- She is a Poetess, Author and Writer and a Global Media Coordinator and USA Administrator for “Motivational Strips” Poetry Forum, the world’s most active poetry forum. She has published four poetry books and has been featured on talk shows in magazines and other publications all around the world. Her poetry has been translated in many languages. She is an international award winning poet. She was recently awarded the “Order of Shakespeare Medal”. Her Motto is: Love God, Love People, and Change the World with Your Words! “Poetry like Love is A Universal Language that flows from the Heart and Mind of the Poet through their Pen to Paper to Express a Thought, Hope or A Dream! The Pen becomes a most Powerful Tool when words written in Love with Vision could become Our Reality as it is embraced by the Reader! Let us as Poets write individually and corporately of our Hopes and Dreams for a Peaceful World! One Poem at a Time! We Can Change the World with Our Words! I believe that Poetry and Peace go Hand in Hand in Promoting and Influencing Peace through our Love of Humanity and Poetry! God Bless Us All as We Seek to Attain This Goal!” MARY LYNN LUIZ

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HELPFUL CREATIONS BY TIMOTHY WADE PAYTON

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Timothy Wade Payton, born June 18th, 1976, is an American writer, Artist, Award-winning poet, and literary critic. A writer of 29 years, Timothy began writing at the age of 15 and would write for family and friends, as a hobby. Timothy has helped and encouraged Many with his selfless contribution to the world of literature and continues to thrive and enlighten the world around him.

"HELPFUL CREATIONS"

To inspire so many through passages & advice, Words of encouragement into yearning ears to suffice, To have someone as a friend, then turns into a close confidant, Is more valuable than any dollar or Jewel, especially with an honest heart;

When one feels alone & out of place, With thoughts so vacant & hard to place, The universe has a funny way of working things out, Bringing certain elements & blessed thoughts start to sprout;

When going through life, you're going hit highs & plateaus, Feelings of inspirational euphoria & mental Lows, Yet, when that certain feeling hits, you can create stories, Using what's been given & create recipes of glories;

When one feels complacent, you must find your motivation, To help someone out there that is lost & needs inspiration, Speak from the heart, so it's felt in your relations, To be of a great service, from one's helpful creations.

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Inspired by: Sarika Harikumar Shyam Shiju H. Pallithazheth

Written by Timothy Payton 2/6/20 ALL COPYRIGHTS RESERVED

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TABLE OF CONTENT Below are the top 500 winners for peace, the REMAINING top 500 winners are published in the part TWO of this edition. these poets have shown bravery in their words actively promoting peace, harmony, love, courage, patriotism, self-esteem, truth etc. May their names be eternally engraved on the highest esteemed plaque of peace advocates and may their voices echo healing the hearts and souls. Readers should please be aware that the listing of poet is not based on the poem ranking, meaning the first poem should not be thought as the best chosen poem, all top 1,000 poets have been randomly selected and listed for the reader’s enjoyment and pleasant experience.

1. Sreemanta Bharali 1 2. Rajashree Mohapatra 3 3. Tiggy Hunter-Gilbert 6 4. Sarbashis Kumar Paul 7 5. Carmelita C Rivera 10 6. Ashley Russell 12 7. Angelina Preiss 13 8. Emily Diamand 14 9. Drizana Ribeiro Oliveira 16 10. Siddhannt Giri 17 11. Finn Samuel Evans 18 12. Dominic James 19 13. Robert Keeler 21 14. John Cooper 22 15. Robbie Porter 23 16. Neelam Shah 25 17. Poppy Ainsworth 27 18. Hannah Esplin 28 xxxix

19. Krupali Trivedi 30 20. Owen Swan 31 21. Penelope Machlachlan 32 22. Khadijah Adekanbi 34 23. Mustafa Ali 35 24. Dr. Alok Kumar Ray 37 25. Nisha Riragam 39 26. Chase Cartwright 40 27. Elisa Reaves 42 28. Julian Sujendran 44 29. Megan Ross 46 30. Sarra Culleno 48 31. Bee Parkinson-Cameron 50 32. Snežana Šolkotović 52 33. Livia Varju 54 34. Paul Horne 55 35. Samuel Junior Irusota 56 36. Yassing A Senge 57 37. Miss Aminatta Boli Saio Kamara 58 38. Priya Bharadia 59 39. Abhilipsa Sahoo 61 40. Heather Schmitz 63 41. Colin Ward 64 42. Oscar Holliday 65 43. Israel Rabo 66 xl

44. Rihannon Owens 69 45. Lyra Evee 70 46. Sa’ad Sa’id 73 47. Toby Engelking 74 48. Mmakgosi Anita Tau 75 49. Chris-korie Chikwadoro Arthur-Michae 76 50. Anuoluwa Olusegun Soneye 77 51. Manoj Kumar Panda 78 52. Nicole Saro 80 53. Emma Leeming 81 54. Peter Donnetty 82 55. Ann Palmer 84 56. Jude-Johnson Prisca 86 57. Bhauna Gundamaraju 88 58. Sidra Kausar 89 59. Dr. Deepti Gupta 90 60. A.P. Govindankutty 91 61. Lauryn Laird 92 62. Dr. Ashok Chakravarthy Tholana 93 63. Vyomi Malik 96 64. Ryan Nicol 97 65. Owhonda Karaka 98 66. Sophie Zhou 99 67. Hossein Sobhani 100 68. Akinyinka Omoniyi 101 xli

69. Scoob 103 70. Henry Sobhani 104 71. Francis Ocran 105 72. Rebecca Barboza 106 73. Sharna Young 108 74. Austin Jani 109 75. Jacob Daniel Laari 111 76. Cyrus Okosun 112 77. Greg Bevin 113 78. Akinola Favour 114 79. Ismail Junaid Oluwadamilare 115 80. Veronica Aaronson 118 81. Antaryami Mishra 119 82. Siviwe Honobroke Mashiyi 120 83. Tsapy Djihafia Lavoisier Junior 121 84. Dr. Dariusz Pacak 122 85. Sanjal Adani 125 86. Cat Brogan 126 87. George Brown 128 88. Pawel Markiewicz 129 89. Kalpana Maheshwari 130 90. Tevin Wandile Andrews 131 91. Joseph Spence SR. 133 92. MD Danish Khan 134 93. Muhammad Amir Hamzah 135 xlii

94. Melonie Barnnaby 137 95. Daniel Walunbengo 138 96. Bernard Hugo Demaere 139 97. Sukanya Basu Mallik 140 98. Dinesh Upadhyay 143 99. Anna Ghataure 144 100. Adeleke Lateef Adetunji 145 101. Norbeto Franco Cisneros 147 102. Suvendu Sarkar 149 103. Mark Morris 151 104. Carl Scharwath 152 105. Edith Elvira Colqui Rojas 153 106. Wendy Ronshausen 155 107. Megha Sood 156 108. Amara Christa 158 109. Amanda Baker 159 110. Agyei Daniel 160 111. Nermin Delic 162 112. Fergus White 163 113. Katie Anderson 165 114. Shira Ben Arzi-Flom 168 115. Bavneet Kaur Beriana 168 116. Khem Raj Subba 170 117. Sheila Schoffield Large 171 118. Ananya Mehrotra 173 xliii

119. Ravinder Johal 174 120. Shola Balogun 175 121. Regan Clancy 175 122. Agunbiade Olatunbosun Joseph 176 123. Alexis Forbes 177 124. Debanjali Nag 178 125. Richard Hookway 180 126. Zariel Konadu 181 127. Khushbu Thakkar 182 128. Adetunji Joshua Iyanuoluwa 183 129. Randy Mazie 185 130. Tania Trujillo 186 131. Lee Franks 187 132. Madison Hoffman 188 133. Charlize Hanslo 189 134. Jessica Lina Larue 190 135. Shikshita Juyal 191 136. Manisha Tuteja 192 137. Ginevra Colombetti 193 138. Madison Stephens 195 139. Deborah Emery 196 140. Ifeoluwa Philips 197 141. Eulalie Tangka 199 142. Joslin Esla Jojen 201 143. Honey Azh 202 xliv

144. Abdulrahman Soliu Adigun 203 145. Ezekiel Onoja Udedojo 204 146. Alyssa Stoller 205 147. Rachel Burns 206 148. Anayo-Enechukwu Tochukwu 207 149. Jamie Martin 209 150. Chandrama Deshmukh 210 151. Caylyn Sheldon 211 152. Francis Philips 212 153. Samihah Sakkaf 214 154. L. B. Mek 217 155. Abiodun Olajuwon 218 156. Olaf Sango 219 157. D. M. Navoda Dissanayake 220 158. Trinity Robinson 221 159. Akinlabi Ololade Ige 223 160. Kehinde Samuel 224 161. Michael Brigden 225 162. Mohamed Khalid 226 163. Mindy Yang 227 164. Amoafowaa Sefa Cecilia 228 165. Safa Sharif 229 166. Stephanie Rose Sullivan 230 167. Ogu Olucchi 232 168. Mette Manula 233 xlv

169. Fatima Zahra Nasir 235 170. Aqsa Shazad 236 171. Zhi Chin Lee 237 172. Inese Berezovska 238 173. David Adejumo 240 174. Yuliia Vereta 242 175. Templeton Moss 243 176. Prarthana Banikya 244 177. Sangay Norbu 245 178. Emereonye Harry Azubuike 246 179. Doriel Darbyshire 247 180. Macdell Joshua Kofi Sackey 248 181. Rahana K Ismail 249 182. Babatunde Gabriel Oluwaseyi 250 183. Sofiyamu Suhaibu 251 184. Tajudeen Rasak 252 185. Geraldine Tunstall 253 186. Mushina.K. Ismail 256 187. Vissevasse 257 188. Miranda Salinger 259 189. Ntui Vincent Mbey 260 190. Lynda Victoria 262 191. Vincente Aguilo Valdez Jr. 263 192. Barnabas Tiburtius 265 193. Trino De La Torre 267 xlvi

194. Laurence Williams 270 195. Maneesha M 271 196. Nwobi Chidubem 272 197. Daniel Muky 273 198. Emma Miller 274 199. Girija P Hampannavar 276 200. Kevan Jackson 279 201. Busari Olawale Umar 281 202. Vasileios Flamporaris 282 203. Joanna Rawnsley 283 204. Thomas Hutchinson 285 205. Iqra Tabassum 286 206. Paul McDonald 287 207. Lindsay Nyabereka 288 208. Subhasish Das 289 209. Lucy Chatwin 290 210. Shali Agwera 291 211. Ellie Buchanan 292 212. Kavyaarasi Muneesvaran 293 213. Riffat N Ahmed 295 214. Godsent Okere 296 215. Adedayo Babatunde Gbolahan 297 216. Seun Ayomide Akinade 298 217. Asmiota Pramanik 299 218. Joseph Sinclair 301 xlvii

219. Antonia Salinas Murguia 302 220. Alissa Bonnett 305 221. Atharva Ughade 306 222. Lee-ann Suddick 308 223. Palash Mahmud 309 224. Vinay Chaurasiya 311 225. Nwachukwu Michael Anene 312 226. Chloe Ellen Rowlands 313 227. Vivian Chimauche Nwachukwu 314 228. Graham Burchell 316 229. Ifra Arshad 317 230. Avijit Roy 318 231. Michelle Ly 320 232. Vera Sofia 321 233. Tayyaba Munir 322 234. Jonathan Ukor 324 235. Nadia Hennin 325 236. Isiaka A. Kromah 327 237. Tahirah Mehnaz 329 238. Amanda Moubarak 330 239. Jeffrey G. Delfin 333 240. Chukwu Patrick Ifeanyi 334 241. Victor Igiri 335 242. Jaime Filander 336 243. Sahaj Sabharwal 337 xlviii

244. Cristy Madel L. Abagao 339 245. Maluika Patel 340 246. Phil Santus 341 247. Shah Dru 342 248. Uchola Sonia Anthonia 344 249. Saira Bahia 345 250. Ogon David Ogon 347 251. Laluloy Bucar 348 252. Mykola Istyn 349 253. Victoria Omoghena Edidi 351 254. Mamu Roshid 352 255. Leonidas Goudelis 353 256. Leonidas Mertiris 355 257. Zaira Lorefice 357 258. Ayesha Asif 358 259. Aicha Smith 360 260. Reinett Chefu 361 261. Arthur Allen 362 262. Samihah Sakkaf 363 263. Onyekwelu Chiwenite Kingsley 364 264. Alashe Hairat 365 265. Atif Rashid 366 266. Lauretta Alonge 367 267. Tom Tom Utum 369 268. Nahed Hashem 370 xlix

269. Dayo Ayilara 372 270. Joy Silas 373 271. Fen Shields 375 272. Samanvitha Oruganti 377 273. Monisha Raghunath Dasappa 379 274. Isis Neuman 380 275. Kudakwashe Chirapa 381 276. Jenia Xaviera 383 277. Dr. Mantri Pragada Markandeyulu 384 278. Ulasi Tochukwu Christopher 385 279. Cynthia Mitchell 387 280. Sabrina Rubin 388 281. Xavier Primentel 390 282. Līva Jaunciema 391 283. Kirsty McCrear 392 284. Grace Lowth 393 285. David G Herring 394 286. Durre Sameen Anwar 395 287. Vesela Flamburari 397 288. Timothy Michael DiVito 398 289. Karine Lesperance 400 290. Bobbi Thomson 401 291. Heather Smith 402 292. Kate Conway 405 293. Lucas Zulu 406 l

294. Grace Theodoly 407 295. Elliot Howard-Spink 408 296. Meg Dolan 410 297. Sufficient Ninsiima 413 298. Manasa Kandula 415 299. Monisha Raghunath Dasappa 418 300. Eileen Casey 419 301. Baciu Laura 422 302. Beth Hawdon 423 303. James Morrison 424 304. Jahid Shah 425 305. Devaki Jayal 427 306. Bi Bi Butul 428 307. Francis Scullion 429 308. Devshree Tiwari 430 309. Sammam 432 310. Don Narkevic 433 311. Sophia Ang Yong Zhi 435 312. Simon 437 313. Angus Shoot Can 439 314. Danielle Farah 441 315. Timothy Marshal-Nichols 442 316. Leela Soma 444 317. David Kamoto Phiri 446 318. Mariam Youssayne 448 li

319. Jo Larcombe 449 320. Albana Selimaj 451 321. Michaela Coombs 452 322. Vivian Lee 453 323. David Anderson 455 324. Ayuni Daniel 457 325. Gwammache Paul 459 326. Aleifiya M 461 327. Dr. Junfei Hu 462 328. Esther Vivian Kay 463 329. Mark Kevin Montoya 465 330. Katherine Oktaviani 466 331. Tunde-Dada Ayotunde 467 332. Malgas Mashego 469 333. Breda Joyce 470 334. TAK Erzinger 473 335. Vu Thao Linh 475 336. Michael C Hansell 476 337. Parneet Jaggi 478 338. Audrey Michelle Maganyani 479 339. Emma Coppola 480 340. Anushree Bose 482 341. Barbi Marie Gardin 483 342. Anya Trofimoura 485 343. Tania Bardsley 487 lii

344. Peta Williams 499 345. Quanisha Patterson 490 346. Okereke Anna Obianuju 493 347. Peter Cocker 494 348. Michael Bridgen 495 349. Amy O Connor 496 350. Saranya Sobramanian 497 351. Justine Mae Pallado 498 352. Bharathi Parameswaran 500 353. Johnmark Mureithi 504 354. Caitlyn Neville 506 355. Diana Elaine Miller 507 356. Subhojit Kar 508 357. Sandip Das 509 358. Manj Knowles 511 359. Bryan Allen 512 360. Awah Oliver Nde 513 361. Malaika Masroor 514 362. Awais Khalid 516 363. Iqra Riaz 517 364. Sirhajwan Idek 519 365. Wilson Van De Werp 520 366. Olga Fufaeva 521 367. Charlie Whiney 522 368. Rob Lowe 523 liii

369. Janet Phillips 524 370. Abra Cannon 525 371. Yeukai Beverley Faera 526 372. Gerard Willie 527 373. Louisa Tomlinson 529 374. Fareed Agyakwah 531 375. Sarah Cathmoir 533 376. Priya Suresh 534 377. Ntebogeng Musi 535 378. Clair Swankie 537 379. Kathryn Sadakierski 538 380. Philip Burton 541 381. Sharmila Mehta 543 382. Max Bianxo 545 383. Talat H Shah 546 384. Laurie McDougall 548 385. Federica Raco 549 386. Sulyman Hannafi M.A. 554 387. Ibrahima Sylla 555 388. Lalita Vaitheeswaran 557 389. Starry Tent 558 390. Dr. Pragya Suman 559 391. Rei Aziz 560 392. Niels Shoenmaker 561 393. Fauzul El Nurca 562 liv

394. Mason Prosser 563 395. Paul Thwaites 564 396. Ronan Loughney 565 397. Pukhaj Neogi 566 398. B. Pearce 567 399. Ian Jenkins 569 400. Jason Hanslo 570 401. Imogen Walls 571 402. Judith Aduol Nyamanga 572 403. Mehak Shaikh 573 404. Tracy Davidson 574 405. Radia Anan 575 406. Prad Aphachan 577 407. Ngozi Sandra Nwaubani 578 408. Dinesh Shihantha De Silva 579 409. Declan Whitney 580 410. Namami Tiwari 582 411. Olivia Douglas 583 412. Mary Anne Zammit 584 413. Aarya Srivastava 586 414. Patricia Green 589 415. Sheena Ann Gordon 590 416. Jennifer Horgan 592 417. Shiv Pratap Paul 593 418. Yazhini Sathiamoorthy 594 lv

419. Leon Raymond 596 420. Neha Yadau 598 421. Darcey Dugan 599 422. Bianka Felnerova 601 423. Susana Harthill 602 424. Joyce Ama Williams-Moreno 603 425. Kalumba Mugbanga 605 426. Deivy Castellano 607 427. Angitha Bhattathiri 609 428. Eva Jackson 611 429. Olaleke James 612 430. Andrea Manu 614 431. Megan Zissler 615 432. Locautsa 616 433. Nicola Evans 617 434. Louis K Nero 618 435. Tikki Sam 619 436. Anthony Itopa Obaro 620 437. Mudit Sehgal 621 438. Luis Calabria 622 439. Emmanuel Springbok 623 440. Eden Benibo 625 441. Swati Singh Pal 626 442. Ragnhild Møgedal 627 443. Ashlyn Rose Peralta 628 lvi

444. Stephen P. Thompson 629 445. Pavithra Manghaipathy 630 446. Ava Ní Loingsigh 632 447. Shelley Corcoran 634 448. Sinan Tokens 636 449. Harpreet Kaur Baweja 638 450. Mohit Khanduri 640 451. Isaiah Rain Maynard 641 452. Mafalda Sofia F. Machado 642 453. Marni J Leonard 643 454. Ruth McTiernan 644 455. Craig Rice 646 456. Abudu Bhadmus 647 457. Ecesu Bozkurt 648 458. Ashley Polihronakis 649 459. Brenda Bazilio Dos Santos 650 460. Tieisha Alicia Waaldijk 651 461. Anne Casey 653 462. Ivanize Cunha Couta Estácio 654 463. Nneoma Imo 656 464. Carey Link 657 465. Grace De Sá 658 466. Sana Khalid 660 467. Amy Louise Wyatt 662 468. Psalm Samuel Jabez S. Trinidad 663 lvii

469. Mrigakhi Saikia 664 470. Balaban Roxana 666 471. Salawu Moshood Ayomide 668 472. Jonifah Richard 670 473. Aria Malaynikoo 671 474. Nikita P. Pusalkar 672 475. Eman Aldajah 673 476. Julia P Vu 675 477. Veruwska Olivier 676 478. Inna Khomenko 677 479. Ray Busler 678 480. Kings Precious 679 481. Pritam Kumar Roy 680 482. Sandra Arukwe 681 483. Kauser Parvezn 682 484. Safoora Masood 683 485. Mehmuna Kausar 684 486. Sohail Mirza 685 487. Waseem Mirza 686 488. Bilal Mirza 687 489. Jamal Mirza 688 490. Naeem Mirza 689 491. Kelechi Cynthia Akalonu 690 492. Alexander Ruth Ojochenemi 691 493. Jonathan Brocklehurst 692 lviii

494. Sofia Skleida 693 495. Neagu Miruna 695 496. Louisa Taylor 697 497. Akinyinka Adebayo Omoniyi 698 498. Dali Chatterjee 700 499. Faye Ademola Oluremi 702 500. Ingrid McLaren 703

lix

Sreemanta Bharali India

Name: Sreemanta Bharali Gender: Male Country: India

Poem: Key for Peace

Oneness of soul is the only key for world peace, As his holiness in earthly robe always preach. Once the world follows this simple mantra, All the chaos and disorder will come to cease.

Once the blinded eyes stop to distinguish, The dirty ragged beggar from a wealthy rich trader. And by all means treats all creature as the creation of the same holy father. Then the sacred dove of peace will fly to earths every nook and corner.

When one buries self-adulation, vanity and material greed, And frees his soul from all morbid earthly needs. Then the heart attains a wonderful release, And peace spreads like flowering seeds.

Sreemanta Bharali

Bio: I am Sreemanta Bharali, a resident of Jorhat (Assam), India. I have completed masters in English from Gauhati University, Assam. Presently I am serving in the Assam Police department as Sub- Inspector. I love to write and read poetry. I think poetry is a wonderful way to promote peace. 3

Rajashree Mohapatra India

Name: Rajashree Mohapatra

Gender: Female Country: India

Poem: A touch of kindness

(A peace poem by Rajashree Mohapatra with a universal appeal.)

The gulf between humanity is measureless Yet love rolls upon them.

The space between humanity is airless Serene breath fills the veins.

The hatred of hollowed hearts In dreams ... deadly weapons dance.

On drowsy desires, we walk hand in hand With beauty of character create a world.

Let's breathe upon red infant sand A kind touch on a morally retarded world.

Be a messenger of global peace 5

Darkness of abyss finally cease.

On the glowing ashes of generations let the flowers of love dance in celebrations.

In depth of our hearts dreams of coexistence To promote world peace, work with perseverance.

Let's walk forward in a golden path A message to my angels from a loving heart.

Rajashree Mohapatra

Rajashree Mohapatra (Bhubaneswar, INDIA)

Bio: Rajashree Mohapatra is a teacher of geography by profession. Poetry, Painting and journalism are her passions. For her painting is a mode of creative expression. She aims at promoting Human Rights and environmental awareness through NGOs.

Name: Tiggy Hunter-Gilbert

Gender: Female Country: England

Poem: I am silent revolution Love undo my worlds sin Peace be sought out resolution Do let my angels sing

Bio: I am 18 years old and I love to write I find it is a great way to compose my thoughts. My poem is short and sweet I would like to think summarizing my outlook of peace.

Sarbashis Kumar Paul India

Name: Sarbashis Kumar Paul

Gender: Male Country: India

Poem: INNER EYES

Outer eyes are motivated But inner eyes are dedicated Outer eyes are for life explanation Inner eyes are for knowledge accumulation Outer eyes explain the darkness Inner eyes narrate lightness Outer eyes ponder the world as an outsider Inner eyes think the world as an insider Outer eyes are for body explanation Inner eyes are for soul realization Outer eyes are mortal Inner eyes are immoral Outer eyes are relative Inner eyes are superlative To know paradise Must love inside.

Bio: I am the author of the anthology titled "Gravity: A collection of poems", Sasim Theke A sime, Immortal Imagination. I compiled and edited two books PEACE " Peace: A pathway to love and harmony " and "Versatile verses “. Apart from I successfully organized international Literary festival and International seminar on peace. I got many national and international awards. I am a teacher of mathematics.

Name: Carmelita C Rivera

Gender: Female Country: Philippines

Poem: Enter Peace, Insert Love

When life missed tranquility, with the absence of serenity There stood shadow of sadness, a thief to the loss of calmness Weariness is a blanket that covers the cold body in a casket In the shade of the pale moonlight And the absenteeism of the warm sunlight

When peace is gone, what else remained? Nothing but a monster in the mind Nights are day-like, days with darkness, nothing is good, all is tasteless Don't get in depression and thinking, envy is a superfluous craving

With mind open to reality of life Lift your low spirit of trust and faith A glimpse of joy to the sightly flowers With duties to tend the nature's showers Peace starts from each of us, just enter peace and insert love ©️mcrivera Carmelita C Rivera 11

Bio: Name: Carmelita C Rivera Birth: September 6, 1947 Country: Philippines Profession: Retired Public School Teacher Engaged in tutoring service Age: 72 (single)

Name: Ashley Russell

Gender: Female Country: United States

Poem: I woke up with eagerness For what the day would bring. My costume laid out and ironed, My decorations all in order running down the stairs, Straight to the kitchen To make the best cup of cocoa there is in existence

Bio: Halloween brings me peace. Anytime I think about Halloween it brings me to a state of relaxation. It is a very peaceful holiday.

Name: Angelina Preiss

Gender: female Country: United States

Poem: When I feel like I’m going insane, With dark thoughts and worries in my brain, My limbs are heavy and hard to move. I feel like I have something to prove. Feeling small in a big place, Feeling alone- at a different pace. Friends moving on while I choose to stay, But I still try to push those dark thoughts away.

Bio: Everyone has dark thoughts because it's part of human nature. It's how we choose to handle these thoughts that counts. Letting them pile up and weigh on you isn't healthy. We have to take these thoughts and turn them into something positive. We push them away and continue on our path. Learning how to cope with the hard times and overcome obstacles is an important lesson in life.

Name: Emily Diamand

Gender: female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Conversational

What if we made a pause? in all this tribal back and forth, stepped back from the fray, lifted our heads and met each other's eyes? Maybe you’d put down your keyboard, smile, and tell me how your daughter learned to ride a bicycle last week. Maybe I'd recommend a book you might enjoy. You could tell me how you’ve always wanted to skydive or we could just chew on the weather... It wouldn’t have to be anything special. Just something. Just the filling up. That beautiful trick of conversation: close-up magic turning inhuman shapes into real-life 3D people. No more the cardboard cut-out or backdrop to another’s 15

passing by; we would be born again. Human beings, together, each trailing our years of vivid living behind us like a comet tail.

Bio: Emily Diamand is an author, poet, environmental campaigner, Royal Literary Fund Fellow, mother, daughter, sister, wife. She has lived through more of life's happenings then she would have imagined if you had asked her when she started out.

Name: Drizana Ribeiro Oliveira

Gender: Female Country: Brazil

Poem: I was trying to make peace with me It was very hard, but i was trying And the problem was that i could accept the truth I had no idea about what to do next Because when you lose everything you love Everything you dreamed The sun stops shining, so all you can see is black And black was my favorite color for a while But i had to make peace with me because The only way to live my destiny is keeping going And the only way to keep going is having peace With my face in the mirror

Bio: Drizana Ribeiro is Brazilian, but lives in Buenos Aires where she studies medicine. She dreams about publishing a book and travel around the world. Her first publication was the poem 'shalom' in cogito publishing international poetic anthology. Currently dividing her time between art and health, or maybe them both are one ...

Name: Siddhant Giri

Gender: Non-Binary Country: India

Poem: I was 10 when I watched my first disaster movie. The world rests on me alone, the child thought. In the movie, my country drowned on the first day and my people died without moving. Fiercely I studied English so one day I will make it to the land of the fame. and make all see how you've led the World astray, make all add a Big Green Ball to their dismay. I was 20 when I learnt I didn't have wings after all are we not human beings. Helpless to deceit, vengeful when the person shows his cheek. What your wit says is right, is deemed wrong by many asleep in satin sheets.

Bio: Hey there. Between finding myself, my worth for the world, and agonizing over things which may keep me nourished to face the next day, I like to write to calm my mind and study some human history to notice where we go wrong and things take an awful turn for the better or worse.

Name: Finn Samuel Evans

Gender: Male Country: United Kingdom

Poem: You can see the world through a peaceful lens And watch it slowly lost to violence. These words of peace need peaceful ends, A flurry of such letters is met with silence.

The truth is that peace is so hard to see In a world engulfed by hate and war. Love rarely prevails in this blood red sea And we find any beauty rotten to the core.

Words are mighty, they are weapons of peace. If there can be such things in existence. In a world where life is but a perennial lease Why are both death and war marked by persistence?

Bio: I want the world to see what war does to people. The arguments for war are insubstantial compared to peace. We lose ourselves to hatred yet so rarely lose ourselves to love.

Dominic James United Kingdom

Name: Dominic James

Gender: Male Country: UK

Poem: Helen’s day bed

How calmly she lies among the olive trees above the bay, on her mattress, eyes closed against the tranquil day, oblivious to canopied white fishing boats below, which ply their way through fields of rippled blue and all around this drift of velvet butterflies – unorganised in midday flight – and lizards in the sun. An excavator’s drill’s clamour in the valley down seems further off than it can be. Somewhere undisturbed, she’s cushioned, sheltered, brown body bared in quiet calm, soft-calm. Helen in her peacefulness sinks in the sand, warm sand, on the shores of the world.

Dominic James

Bio: Dominic James lives in South West England with his partner. Helen. and he attends poetry meetings up and down the Thames River Valley. His poems have published at home and abroad and his collection, Pilgrim Station, was published by SPM Publications in 2016. 21

Name: Robert Keeler

Gender: Male Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Four and a Half Haiku for Spring

Silly old rhizome Please don’t be so shy this year Ripping hot cartwheels

Green leaf brown leaf dance Buck up flowers give stink eye Ripe scent of quelled pear

Cold electric rain Worms scurry to don rubbers Hummingbird stops in

Wild beasts maneuver Caterpillars waltz down stump

Bio: Born St. Paul, grew up in jungles of Colombia. BS Mathematics NCSU, MS Computer Science UNC-CH, MBA UCLA, and Certificate in Poetry UW. Honorman U.S. Naval Submarine School, Submarine Service (SS) qualified. Vietnam Service Medal, Honorable Discharge, Whiting Foundation Experimental Grant. Member IEEE, AAAS, and the Academy of American Poets. 22

Name: John Cooper

Gender: Male Country: UK

Poem: A Simple Endeavour

If we sought better to understand each other, if we were really to care, if we truly loved our sisters and brothers, if we could simply learn to share.

Would there then be a peace we could to hold and cherish, something for all humanity to strive; that we would then not allow to perish and that would keep our World alive.

John Cooper

Bio: John Cooper: Is a self-taught poet, who has only taken up writing in the last three years? He has had some public success in getting work published, mostly on-line and in competition anthologies, with a mix of serious and lighter verses and flash fiction. As a poet he is particularly intrigued by different forms and ways of constructing poems and as such tries to write poetry in different styles – both in terms of content and structure.

Robbie Porter United Kingdom 24

Name: Robbie Porter

Gender: Male Country: United Kingdom

Poem: HAIKU FOR PEACE

The small boy watches a mantis waits inscrutable life is capricious

The young veteran of mud, blood and shattered clay a smooth stone made rough

The old man knows that no disturbance can be where the doves soar and dive

Bio: Robbie Porter is a lecturer and charity worker from Worcester, England. He was born in Hawick, Scotland and studied English and History at the University of Sunderland.

Name: Neelam Shah

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Peace

Shower the world with drops of love and humility Wash yourself with the spray of calmness Eradicate any hatred. Anger or frustration You have inside of you. Delve into the branches of happiness We together as a nation can protest against war Living in harmony amongst one another We do not need violence, Put an end to all negative thoughts Evoke feelings of joy, splendor and amusement Laugh, smile and relax with the world. Waves of tranquility drowns on you. Let peace be the journey….

Bio: Masters Psychoanalysis Kingston University-2017. I am currently a temp Researcher and a freelance Academic Health Researcher/Writer for Knowledge Links, Freelance Proof Reader for London Skills Network and Adhoc Ranstad Disability Support Worker as well as a Short term freelance Project Manager for Read a Book for Charity. 26

In my spare time I genuinely enjoy tutoring online, baking, painting, drawing, travelling, photography, dancing, playing the keyboard, In addition to my passion for writing blogs and articles, creative writing poems and short stories, I relish in reading novels and visiting historical and art exhibitions, I am also an e-activist, Global Citizen Leader, Campaigner, and political lobbyist for PETA, Walk for Freedom Slavery Activist and End Global Poverty, Unicef Children’s Champion, GQ Transforming Mental Health Supporter/Campaigner.

Name: Poppy Ainsworth

Gender: Female Country: England

Poem: Earth’s fire

One day, when the world stops firing, and the guns stop spinning, we will find water flooding the sun struck lands, under the bloody rubble and the auric fires of hope.

Bio: I hope that somewhere, at some time, we will stop. Stop bombarding ourselves with anger and the world with bullets. And it is when rise into peace and focus on all that is beyond war, that we will find the water of our lives and solve contemporary mishaps.

Name: Hannah Esplin

Gender: Female Country: England

Poem: Peace on Earth

Alone, we are sitting, Surrounded by ghosts, Talk show hosts and artists, Without a moment of silence, In our pretty little heads.

Lead could fly through the air. You could shoot your shot, Fire your weapon in the room, We'd assume it's nothing. We don't need to know it.

We're just here to sit alone. Among the stones and paths, Looking at clouds driving, Swerving in and out of lanes, Shining onto window panes. 29

Maybe we are covered in red, Blood seeps through your white, But in spite of this, We are comfortable to sit, And be bitten by the frost

Because, at the end of the day, With lights fading and shading Over your eyes, We are so happy here. We are so at peace.

At least when I'm here on the hill, Staring at your pupils, I don't need to care what happens. Even if the world is ending, I'm spending it in inner peace

Bio: My name is Hannah Esplin, I am a 17-year-old girl from a small town called Dereham in Norfolk. I'm an avid poet and have taken an interest in it due to currently studying English Language and Literature at A-Level.

Name: Krupali Trivedi

Gender: Female Country: India

Poem: Spring of Happiness.

The earth has settled with a heap of snow, A frozen heart filled with numbness, Just like the children of her, Forgetting her slowly, But, she will smile soon; When we will move out to give love, Fill the world with pink and blue, Hold each other in hurt and boon Close our eyes to see the moon She sits there and waits For the snow to melt, bring out spring of happiness, Where her children can love Battle the haranguing, save the flower again.

Bio: Student by virtue, poet by passion. Started writing at the age of 13 and growing ever since, Love to write, read and sing the poems. 31

Name: Owen Swan

Gender: Male Country: England

Poem: The End of War

If this is how it ends, with only war on my grave, Do not bring me back to the world you have made, Many people have gone to war, many brave And loyal, and here we are, in dirt and dust And death; there you are, alone, hurt, afraid. All are trained to have the same mindset, War is war; there is no stopping it, only bodies In dirt and dust and death. So, we make a threat, A threat that can settle war. If we make peace, And refuse to fight, there will be no sad stories That keep us up at night.

If this is how it ends, with only war on my grave, Bring me back, only once, I have one thing to say.

Bio: I am a 16-year-old in Sixth Form who is extremely passionate about English, and I am hoping that I could continue my passion and make it a living. I really enjoy writing poetry and have been writing since I was young.

Penelope Maclachlan United Kingdom

Name: Penelope Maclachlan

Gender: female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: THE CAROL SERVICE AT ST LUKE’S CHURCH the choir boys, cherubim, file into the church awe-struck, the people hear a soloist pure and clear as silver yet untarnished or crystal stream of water singing as it flows over clean white pebbles now a poem an actor reads to us of Joseph’s blunders it takes the shepherds’ coming to open Joseph’s eyes and now he sees God means it all to be: the dirt and pain now in humility but with peace of mind he carries out the tasks that fall to him puts the child in Mary’s arms and gives the donkey hay.

Bio: I'm British. I was born in Margate, and my parents took me to Brazil when I was three. A year off school when I was eight meant my mother teaching me, and she gave me a love of poetry by reading to me from Palgrave's Golden Treasury. One of her favorites was Shelley's Ode to a Skylark. At nine I went back to school in Brazil, and at 13 to boarding school in England. Now I run a poetry group and have started trying to write poems. 34

Name: Khadijah Adekanmbi

Gender: Female Country: Nigeria

Poem: A PIECE FOR PEACE. It is easier said than done. A world where no bad is done. A world full of beautiful mystery. We would feel no misery. A repeated century, when crime is an unbelievable history.

The diversity of our complexions and religions do not matter. We are just different designs from our crafter. We breathe the same air so you are my brother and you are my sister. Spread peace and make the world better.

Bio: Born in Lagos Nigeria. I am the Convener for the Foundation for Abused and Raped Children's Enlightenment. A full-time poet and writerpreneur, an anti-rape activist. A peace advocate.

Mustafa Ali Pakistan

Name: Mustafa Ali

Gender: male Country: Pakistan

Poem: Co-op in religion and science emerge evolution, From pre to new era, why is it so much expansion? Nature being push and honey is sugar, Why is it impurity in the taste of tribulation? Countless weapons with havoc in humanity, Don’t say a word, it’s felon activity. A struggle or dream? Perhaps both constitute life Riddles probe into peace, wakes solitude of life. Stoicism, negativism, and sheer fatalism curse man Poor runs to bread in the darkness of tangle No joy reliefs the pain of the substandard. O brothers! Be like gold. But friends, you can’t be recovering if ye burnt! My words, my rhythm, influence my silence.

Bio: B.A (2 years) in 2014 from Forward Degree College. Creative writer - Words dances with my rhythm. Sales agent in TPL Trakker company since 1 year. Other interests are travelling and deep research. In this song, I am stating the grief as well as the joy of individuals who want peace in real life. How it will fight to unchain the freedom? "Song of Silence"

Dr. Alok Kumar Ray India 38

Name: Dr. Alok Kumar Ray

Gender: Male Country: India

Poem: Peace Peace reigns when mind dwells in perfect calmness Push mind inward to experience enthralling fearlessness Paint its indelible picture in mind for serene prevalence Essence of peace calls for spreading of unconditional love Elevate thus into the domain of peace loving dove Enter into the zone of forgiveness where only saints move Arrival of peace needs a very tender and soft heart Astounding is its lasting impact that removes all dirt Aspiration for peace builds a way for brand new start Caring others as own near and dear ones surely enhances Causation of peace like balmy breeze to remove nuisances Cosmopolitan outlook deters all age-old hindrances Euphoria of peace is coated with fine tunes of empathy Eternal peace ensures our long cherished sustainability

Bio: Dr. Ray is by profession a lecturer who teaches Political Science to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Being a bilingual poet (Odia and English) his poems have been featured in many national and international anthologies, books, periodicals and newspapers. He resides at the district headquarters of Kendrapara in Odisha state of India.

Name: Nisha Riragam

Gender: Female Country: India

Poem: Peace I am a fusion of unity and tranquility I am born to be grown within a circle of compassion The walls of oppression are broken when I am woven into your lives Find me through ignorance but don't hide me through vengeance I am the messenger of oneness who is fearless I stand for cooperation to land on integration I become mighty by bringing about equity I bind you together like the rind of a fruit If I travel with you for miles, I will preserve your smiles Merely bending your legs does not mark my arrival You need to mend your thoughts Your character matters to me more than your possessions I am an eternal reward and I make you fly like a bird I am peace and I will make sense only when there is no violence Bio: Name: Nisha Gender: Female Nationality: Indian Residence: Tamil Nadu Occupation: Student 40

Chase Cartwright United States

Name: Chase Cartwright

Gender: Male Country: United States

Poem: Dialectics

When I got in trouble, my mom would tell me, “You are doing your best and you can do better.” I’d tell her, “That doesn’t make sense.” and she’d say, “Two things can be true.” One day, I stood at the foot of a great waterfall I let go of my mother’s hand to get a closer look From the heavens, water plummeted into the river It roared a violent roar against the sublime sky The water beat away at the rocks and the earth Each drop twisted and fought as if possessed And within the immutable roar, unable to hear, I stood alone in my own unexplored tranquility and repeated the words, “two things can be true”

Chase D. Cartwright

Bio: Chase lives in Milwaukee, WI with his wife Sarah and their two angels (i.e. their cats). He works at a psychiatric hospital fighting with insurance every day. In his spare time, he likes cooking, listening to punk rock, and catching every episode of Jeopardy he can. Occasionally, he will find time to pursue his dreams and will write stories. 42

Elisa Reaves United States 43

Name: Elisa Reaves

Gender: Female Country: United States

Poem: Try for a Peace of Mind

Peace is sunflowers, clear skies, butterflies. No. It is souls finding comfort: airstrikes in Gaza. Having protective measures: the fires in Lebanon. Having safe shelter: after the violence in Chile. Is it walls like in Israel or future USA? Can dividing land cause security and peace? Love Every race, ethnicity, sexual orientation. Some people think that this will never be achieved Convince yourself-- look at the free birds flying Wishing you were one of them. You see peace When your eyes are closed, sleeping. Is this a fantasy? Action.

Bio: I am a 20-year-old college student at Auburn University. I was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, and I am the middle child of 5 siblings! I have loved writing but really learned to appreciate writing when I started to work at the Writing Center at Auburn University. I value diversity, love, and loyalty and hope to incorporate these values into my writing.

Name: Julian Sujendran

Gender: Male Country: India

Poem: PEACE LOVER

I construe the borders between nations, as man's doing. Physical borders, mere fences, never subduing. Hearts transcend such divides, seeking love from the other side. Oh! Why this animosity, this hatred, waging war wantonly? Wasn't it the Almighty's plan to live comradely? Yet, we who proclaim to be humane, hath not a will to alleviate this pain. Wars and squirmiest, bloodshed and strife. Is there no respite from this kind of life? Let's conquer hate with love alone, emerging triumphant, by love and compassion. A permanent bond, create by submission. The soul penetrates walls of hatred and enmity. Sowing seeds of forgiveness, ridding the world of its sickness. Let's pause a moment, to review this ailment. Ushering in peace, till wars will cease.

Bio: Julian Sujendran is a voracious reader and writes in different literature groups on Facebook. He also writes short stories and poems on a blog. Just retired from the Indian railways, he spends his free time in content writing. He lives in Chennai with his family.

Name: Megan Ross Gender: Female Country: England

Poem: I wonder as I wander, through fields of yellow and green, why my body and face is what matters to be seen. Yield before my beauty, they say, yield before she leaves. Not once do they wonder, wonder why I scream. I wonder as I wander, by rolling streams of blue, why they judge me for me, no matter what I do. My body is a temple, they say, follow our written laws, They do not realise they've unleashed yet another goddess of war. Have I not the mind of Athena? Not the sweet melody of a Queen? Am I not the embodiment of Artemis, harnessing the strength of the friendship on which we lean? Why do they take away our freedoms? Why limit the powers of the people? do they not hear our cries and shouts of? 'we are all equal' I wonder as I wander, with a crowd of marching feet, the irony of history we constantly repeat. I feel the woes of a suffragette, fighting to be free. I am a goddess, a wanderer, taking a stand for future me.

Bio: I'm Megan Ross, a 16-year-old student, who has a passion for writing and musical theatre. I've been writing since I was little, but never truly considered trying to publish my works until recently. I enjoy your regular teen fiction, historical fiction and poetry. My poem is also on 'Wattpad' under my username of Aphrodite’s.

Name: Sarra Culleno

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: MISS, WHAT DID I MISS?

Miss, why are we reading a story like this? So you’ll never have to shoot Lennie in the back of the head. So to hangmen, Salem’s witches will never be led. Miss, we just don’t understand this? Once lessons learned in Double-Speak are done, you’ll parley and decode that it was our drones which terrorized families in their own homes. Miss, why are we still reading this? So you’ll know the milk of human kindness instead of panics peddled to numb you mindless. So you’ll recognise that news is contrived, not reported. Lucrative narratives sold on facts contorted. Miss, why do we learn all this? To save your child and grandchildren too, from the system of ignorance imposed upon you. Miss, how can we tell what fact is? “The sanctions in Iraq killed more people than all of the WOMDs in all of recorded history” 49

Miss, why do you bother with this? Your dignity is not bestowed from up high. It’s what you must claw for, or die. Be inconvenient dissents from under. From margins, monoliths are blown asunder. Miss, what do we do with all this? First, shield yourself with insight, from Roman Games of Circus distracting you to apathies in between. Then, take flight, beyond the narrow limits of the spectrum’s extremes.

Bio: Sarra is published widely, including poems in Les Femmes Folles in Nebraska, Three Drops Press, Hidden Voices and in The Bollocks to Brexit Anthology. She was longlisted for the Cinnamon Press Pamphlet Prize and appeared as Featured Poet at Herstories Festival, The Festival of Manchester, Write Out Loud, The Others, and TWSS (For Books Sake).

Name: Bee Parkinson - Cameron

Gender: Female Country: Scotland

Poem: Dove

White bird flying through the air, Wings open spreading goodness everywhere. Olive branch in beak, Travelling to every peak.

But what is this oh little dove, I cannot feel your peace and love. Your work is being hindered oh, I cannot see you, white as snow.

Does sadness fill your heart and soul? When pain is present from adult to foul? Have you given up sweet bird, Is it, for you, preferred?

Dove of sweetness, shine for me, I have the door but have no key. I am being consumed by hate, 51

Is sadness, pain, grief and suffering my fate?

White bird flying through the air, Wings open spreading goodness everywhere. Olive branch on ground, Your mournful cry the only sound.

Do not abandon your work little dove, For where would we be without your love. Let me see you bird of hope, For if I see you I know I could cope.

Bird of Hope, Bird of Love. Bird of Peace, Oh, little Dove.

Bio: Bee Parkinson - Cameron has been published in several anthologies including 'collections of poetry and prose: Love, War, Travel and Happy', the 'uncovered voices' anthology, an anthology named 'suicide' compiled by Robin Barrett. She has produced two plays 'The Divine Comedy Show' and 'The Journey Home' a play based on her own experiences of domestic abuse for which her theatrical company Left Behind Productions was shortlisted for the UK Epic Awards 2019. Bee was also long listed for the Poetrygram Prize 2019 and will be published in the Poetrygram Annual. 52

Name: Snežana Šolkotović

Gender: Female Country: Serbia

Poem: I just want peace

Give a hand of friendship to everyone, Show a warm smile and goodwill, No matter how much difference there is in this world, Peace works wonders and the future improves. Skin color is irrelevant, And living in any part of the world, Peace can connect anything, With long colors that are stunning. Spoken language is irrelevant, Ancient wisdom that everyone knows, Everyone should fight for peace, His key should be released ... Let the pigeon fly, The border of peace for sharing around the world, It takes so little to love someone, The desire for peace is all we need to become one ... And all I want is PEACE.

Bio: Šolkotović Snežana is a supervisory teacher in elementary school. Writing is her hobby. She has published poems and stories for children and adults in fourteen books. She has won prestigious awards at domestic and international competitions.

Name: Livia Varju

Gender: Female Country: Switzerland

Poem: A New Page for the New Millennium

Hate generates hate revenge takes its toll on our children and theirs as years and decades roll on in a vicious violent circle

Let us break the chains that atrophy heart and soul and liberty release the spirit which longs to soar above division, border, war Let us dare to clean our slate shed the burden of revenge and hate may we begin a fresh, clear page to create a new peaceful age

Bio: Born in Hungary, became Canadian, have lived in 7 countries. Am writer, poet, translator, incl. literary translation, but mainly activist-militant. Started to work in my spare time, in short, for a better world, including peace, human rights, environment, etc. in 1983. Have been on the editorial board of three journals, started one as Editor in Chief. 55

Name: Paul Horne

Gender: Male Country: Wales

Poem: Medicine Sans Frontiers

We never found your body, three weeks, of confusion and dust, no one seemed to know or care, people numb in their private tragedies, and wary, still some soldiers leaving the city. So I told Harun you’d gone to Jannah, Insha’Allah, to wait for him. He says surely you must be bored, no sick to heal. We found a woman, a mother, searching through rubble, said you saved her son, her last, the day before they came, took you away. She showed me her picture of you, with a boy, same age as Harun, smiling, with his one leg. And we smiled too, as wiped softly, each other’s tears, and then, gave thanks to Allah

Bio: Age 57 unpublished poet, married, three children. A few years ago I heard a talk on the radio with a young British Muslim doctor who was working for free in Syria helping people who would otherwise have no medical aid. I am in awe of him and the many others like him.

Name: Samuel Junior Irusota

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: 1967 Here: parents go to bed with no hope of seeing their children in the morning Here, everywhere you go, all you see is a basket of Bones__ Here, children are left homeless & defenseless with no hope of seeing the sun You do not want to be ripped by sounds of AK 47 riffles. You do not want to be eaten by the news from the radio & television___ Father went in search for food and never returned And Mother she went in search of shelter and was hit by a stray bullet Amina, my sister was raped to death by a gang of fucking terrorists! Abu, he was praying in a mosque and he died in a blast... Here: we romance death with open hands like the way I romance my girlfriend Yet, every day we learn to live in broken dreams hoping that the dawn births a better tomorrow Where we can all live in peace & harmony, I mean: where we can sleep with our two eyes closed with hope of seeing dawn. Samuel Junior Irusota

Bio: Samuel Junior Irusota is a multiple award winning Nigerian poet, author and Lawyer. He is the author of a boy's body is war a collection of Poems. He won the clash of pens poetry contest 2019. He was a Co - winner of the Poets in Nigerian (PIN) Food poetry contest 2018. He poems have appeared on and are forthcoming on, Tuck magazine, Praxis magazine, Indian periodical, Kalahari review, journal Nine, amongst others. He believes that Poetry is a tool we can use to change the world. He writes from Edo State in Nigeria. 57

Name: Yassin A Senge

Gender: Male Country: Tanzania

Poem: Dear Lovely Peace

Dear lovely Peace whose father died During first world war Dear beautiful Peace whose mother died During second world war The mother for street children Who was kidnapped during Afghanistan war The nurse for dying citizen Who was jailed during Congo war An advocate for the undermined Who was rapped during Somali war Host for refugees and the denied Who was beaten to coma in Syria

Bio: By Yassin A. Senge Tanzanian poet who is a professional teacher for English Language. Holder of B.A.Ed. (2010), St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT). He loves to watch natural environment and human rights.

Name: Miss Aminatta Boli Saio Kamara

Gender: Female. Country: England

Poem: Can you hear the silence running As we try to bend our ears? To the peace that flows within us As we try to keep back tears So that all our future children Can learn to live carefree And all it takes in manning Is the start with you and me?

Bio: I love potatoes with mayonnaise. I live in a flat. I can't cook. I'm five foot nine and shrinking I'm fifty. I wear glasses.

Priya Bharadia India

Name: Priya Bharadia

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: and she will rise: as if a starlit tempest roaring against a flighty cliff, a concert of colour deafening a monolithic wall, she will endure: like a castle with bullet holes for windows, a crescent moon in a blaze of hellfire - she will persist: against infernos begging to hear her gunfire, when instead she scatters sunlight across skin - she will forsake: like a mountain crumbled under typhoons - marigold flowers crushed by a city of steel - she tried, but the universe engulfed her effulgence, with tapestries of black. (and she'll rise.) 'female resistance in a violent world ', by Priya Bharadia Bio: Priya Bharadia is a young writer and activist living in London, with a passion for human rights and mental health. Inspired by the contrast between her world and the philosophical, nature-based imagery of Hindu poetry (her grandmother's favourite), her poetry aspires to construct a lyrical, promising image of what the world is and rather ought to be. 61

Name: Abhilipsa Sahoo

Gender: Female Country: India

Poem: I TRUST THIS UNIVERSE AGAIN / SONG OF REBIRTH AND PEACE.

"there is such an intense structure along the lines of caste, religion, and political parties, that we find it impossible to come together for any common purpose, whether it's to establish peace, or do the bare minimum to spare ourselves the life left of us."

- excerpt from the brief conversation in the morning after JCB Prize, 2019 award dinner. every morning, we are born in a new skin, flesh redder than the last sunrise, wavelengths of hope spiral from open skies, descend to condemn the voices lost within the radii of atoms. what is so sincerely made of us, are the countless imprints of our own nails? like infinite crescent crimson moons our flammable bodies awake to, and even if one of the moons wanes with time, who'd care to remember, in the vague canvas of falsehoods and despair, where every imagery is a pendulum swinging sharp and perhaps, stagnating our shoulders, hands, breaths, 62

so miraculous, who'd root for peace, regardless?

Bio: Abhilipsa Sahoo is an eighteen-year-old full-time student and part-time poet from India, who loves to scoop ice-cream when not indulged in an avid reading. She is a Foyle Commended Young Poet for the year 2019. She has been a runner-up in the category of Under-19, in St Petrocs Poetry Competition-2018, held as a part of a campaign to end Street Homelessness in Cornwall. Some of her favourite poets are Sylvia Plath, Robert Frost, Eve L. Ewing, Safia Elhillo, Christina Rossetti, Maya Angelou, Agha Shahid Ali, and Edgar Allan Poe.

Name: Heather Schmitz

Gender: Female Country: United States

Poem: Green Mountain Home

Embraced in the folding hills Nourished in the high meadow Restored in the splendor Of verdant grasses

- By Heather Schmitz

Bio: Heather Schmitz is a children's book illustrator, painter, and designer. As an 11th generation Vermonter, her roots grow deep into the everlasting hills. She believes our profound connection to the natural world empowers us to meet the substantial challenge of creating a more peaceful and sustainable world.

Name: Colin Ward

Gender: Male Country: United Kingdom

Poem: [Title] Do We Want Peace Enough?

We must want enough of each other's best: smiles of sisters, brother's brawn, strength of mothers, fathers we mourn, who would rather see their child's eyes before they die in the wild, drowned in floods of righteous blood, in someone else's war. Do we want peace enough?

Bio: Colin Ward is an author and poet from the United Kingdom. He has self-published a Crime Fiction novel, a play, and two poetry collections. His most recent collection is 100 Poems on the Futility of War called: "Silhouette in the Sunset." Colin is passionate about the hope for peace.

Name: Oscar Holliday

Gender: Male Country: UK

Poem: Shaking but tail wags; afraid but still so trusting. A forgiving love.

Bio: This poem was inspired by a stray dog which had been beaten and left with a facial deformity. The immense capacity for love - expressed by dogs - should be the root of global peace among people.

Name: Israel Rabo

Gender: Male Country: Nigerian

Poem: I HAVE A DREAM NIGERIA VERSION The reason am still alive is simply cos when I arrived on this shore called life I had no knife with which to end my life When I landed I asked the doctor which country? He said Nigeria I screamed “NIGERIA”? Of all the area, baba God why Nigeria? You no see Croatia or even Romania? This must be a prank I kept telling myself I heard Nigeria is more religious than Saudi Arabia But corruption full all the area That to get job or gain admission Connection is the number one criteria That though power is in short supply There is abundant supply of malaria That they have a conscience deficit So they loot even money meant for pensioners The country is so corrupt, that it is corruption to not be corrupt 67

That its integrity is currently bankrupt But it’s now my home and for this I have a dream That we shall give corruption mass burial Marry honesty and make truth in-laws I have a dream That we shall sentence African time to death by hanging Treat laziness like a disease and late coming like a crime I have a dream That we shall bury godfatherism, Divorce tribalism and take hate to the cemetery I have a dream That the Nigerian police shall load its gun with bullets of honesty and shot that monster called bribery I have a dream That EFCC shall stop acting like sisy Cos I see corruption toasting her That NAFDAC shall come out of the dark cos after Dora she seem to be in the ark of irrelevance I have a dream That student, would breakup with mediocrity and start dating hard work and have tenacity as side chick I know, I know and I know that our sun has been eclipsed by tribal massacre, religious crisis, regional hate I know that the country seems darkened by long nights of selfish leaders… with no hope of light in sight but then I know that only when it is dark enough can you see the stars I know that all the darkness in the world cannot put out the light from a single candle 68

I know if I light my candle of truth and she lights her candle of love and you light your candle of unity then all the darkness in the world would fail in its plot to put out our light. A wise man once said it is better to light one small candle than curse the darkness

Bio: Am a legal practitioner who loves poetry. Law is my legal wife but poetry my mistress; when I get tire if one I spend the night with the other

Name: Rhiannon Owens

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Time for Peace?

I often think of the veterans who fought on opposite sides, and how they have more in common than not, with things from each other they cannot hide. I wonder if they'd argue and bitch, like fans of rival football teams, like the overpaid players on the pitch, but it’s no game the things they've seen. I like to think of them meeting up and chatting face to face, maybe sharing a pint, with war a different time, a different place. United by their experiences no longer enemy, no longer foe, and with their fighting in the past, might new friendships begin to grow?

Bio: I'm from the North West of England. Love writing, but hadn't written anything for a long time 'til recently. One day I would love to have something published. 70

Name: Lyra Evee

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: We are supplied with limited happiness hours in 3019 when everything is sour. The brain is contracted to be elated as our battery becomes saturated with the unfolded shadows of all the close people we touch.

Our happiness hours drain with the clocks but in place of my watch is a contactless chip to top up? the ‘fine’ feeling. The baseless feeling of being awake when it feels like a mistake and we shouldn’t be here.

But there’s a clutch we’re intercepted by the overhang; our baseless feeling cannot be baseless, our happiness hours are actually wasted. 71

The happiness hours are up but life expectancy begins to drown taking a sip from our cup the fountain is now in drought.

Even if we tap-out we have paid in full and now we are confused. The secure purchase didn’t fulfil, it was not even secure in the first place.

So we tap again, Consumerism smiles in spite but they wait a while to strike again; in a late sale.

Our happiness hours rise again but our life is spent much better had we never bought anything, we repent it now.

All those hours wasted tapping could’ve been used better, by a poorer body. 72

Those children with nothing marvel at what you possess and yet their hours are spent wiser.

Our years fall again, treating happiness like credit makes us fritter time away like loose change, except our hours are only numbers correlating to the quality of our days.

This is how they measure us, but how can they? If consciousness is limitless in the variables we can expand into, our Venn diagrams should ever-evolve.

It’s 3019! We shouldn’t be constricted to happiness hours, the happiness left in the tank leaves no one to thank for what they provided. We shouldn’t plateau at an expiry date; it’s never too late to take a step, back.

Bio: Studying art foundation at Arts University Bournemouth, specializing in Animation but aware that peace can be expressed in any form of art.

Name: Sa'ad Sa'id

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: Above the mountain, beneath the earth Cries of toddlers, yelling of men Thunderstorm rebirth Above the head of human Global world or local curse? I dropped my hand on my chest To paint my bird from red to white And allow it to soar the sky To sing, and sing, and sing With its beak To scare the movement of nightwalkers Raising its feathers Fanning the globe Cooling the weather, and the sun Preaching the gospel of peace With its life.

Bio: Sa'id Sa'ad is a short story writer, poet and spoken word performance artist. His works have appeared in Better Than Starbucks, Praxis Magazine, The Arts Muse Fair, The Giant Pen and Elsewhere. He coauthored the Poetry collection 'Reunion'.

Name: Toby Engelking

Gender: Male Country: UK

Poem: ‘57 Days’

57 days was all it took hiking from foot to foot. Some peace - or clarity of mind. I guess. But that’s not what you find. When you seek a different place and walk for 57 days. You haul your luggage with you.

Bio: I am a young student from North Devon. I love to surf and spend time at the beach but I also love writing music and poetry. I feel that poetry is the most honest and raw way of writing about things bigger than ourselves. 57 days is a poem I wrote whilst travelling in Australia. It is the story of a man I met seeking some kind of personal peace.

Name: Mmakgosi Anita Tau

Gender: Female Country: Botswana

Poem: Fallen heroes refuse to bless the living blood unevenly sprinkled pleading for vengeance minorities are not any less human than majorities. Life stops to start again, ask the Holocaust The soft of my palm was made to raise white flags to gather together a moment of stillness placing an Israelite in the arms of a Philistine Only cowards fight to prove their power the remnants of a forgotten tribe must return home. Love like breath comes only to those who care to. Harmony inwardly received is outwardly achieved in a world where eagles know the taste of the sun one man enchained is a world in captivity.

Bio: Mmakgosi Anita Tau is an award winning filmmaker with a BA Degree in Motion Picture Medium from AFDA College, Botswana. She created and directs Mmakgosi Live, a show/campaign devoted to mental health awareness and activism in Botswana. Mmakgosi participates in the International Writing Program (IWP) Women’s Creative Mentorship Program for the University of Iowa. Mmakgosi won the British Council and Prince Claus Mobility Fund 2019 which took her to the Writers Project of Ghana Pa Gya! Literary Festival.

Name: Chris-Korie Chikwadoro Arthur-Michael

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: PEACE BEYOND OUR CLIME

I long for a time We shall join our hands together It doesn't cost a dime Yet it lasts forever Come let's join forces White, black, red and yellow cos we are all fine Just forget the losses And dance a common rhyme The taste of this at first might be bitter as lime Just trust me we all will soon begin to smile Then savor the beauty like a well performed mime Remember it ain't easy crossing the Nile Let's di this from west, north, south and east Come the whole world should be centered on peace!!

Bio: I am Arthur-Michael, an ardent poet, both written and spoken word. Freelance writer, Public speaker, Nature photographer and Radical activist for emancipation of youths

Name: Anuoluwa Olusegun Soneye

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: A Practical Guide to Letting go

Should we an eye for an eye take till we walk with empty sockets like zombies; turn the world into a park for the blind or should we a tooth for a tooth till men are sucking milk with bleeding gums or should we simply forgive? Not give in to hate at those dire moments when our skins are steaming like hot larva and our breaths are heaves, heavy turn tick tock making warning alerts “Caution, I am about to explode” signs

Or we just tame our tongues into sleeping dogs so when walking plagues step our toes, we crimp our lips into voiceless plosives and let out a “Peace, be still”.

Bio: Anuoluwa Olusegun Soneye is a writer of poetry and short stories. Aside literature, he also has a penchant for music. 78

Name: Manoj Kumar Panda

Gender: Male Country: India

Poem: PEACE

New issues arise everyday Countries fighting, People dying, "We pray for peace!" we say. Why then are we so intolerant? Why do we have to fight? Why do innocent people have to die? Our leaders need to take a hint, They need to understand Peacefully we want to live, A future to our children give. All these nukes we must ban For we cannot have another war More people cannot die, More countries cannot fight. Or the human race will exist no more. Peace is what we desperately need Everywhere today. 79

People seem to have lost their way. The world needs to pay heed To the situation we have at hand World peace is needed. On the bottle of violence lets shut the lid. All we need is a really good plan. Let’s start by being more understanding Let’s learn to share, Let’s learn to care Let’s be grateful for the life we're living. Through this by god's grace peace we will achieve. Slowly but surely, Humans will again have humanity. This is something I firmly believe.

Manoj Kumar Panda Odisha, India

Bio: Manoj panda from India, am a student and continue my higher degree in master science

Name: Nicole Saro

Gender: Female Country: Kenya

Poem: Let Peace Prevail The world has changed and so should we In our thinking, our deeds and what we say To ourselves and to each other Enough with the fighting, the bullying The shade, corruption and segregation We should look beyond skin into the soul The world is too big to place its woes In one heart, on two palms, in one brain If we must succeed, need i say We need everyone's hand So let peace prevail In our abodes, our schools and hallowed grounds Let everyone know that the time is nigh And we've all been called to serve

Bio: I once read somewhere that potential equals the willingness to listen, learn and improve. I try to let these wise words guide me. They have without doubt. I believe I am capable of becoming a better version of myself. My greatest desire is to be among the group that brings transformation to the society. There is one language I understand better than any other, the language of peace.

Name: Emma Leeming

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: The White Wings of the Dove To resist the urge to quarrel and fight To respect and accept one another To walk in the paths of rays of light To walk with your sisters and brothers. To find those knocked down and build them back up To apply and subscribe to ‘one love’ To find inner peace, kiss and make up Is to ride the white wings of the dove.

Emma Leeming

Bio: I am a 23-year-old English Language and Creative Writing graduate from North Yorkshire. I have been writing since I was small and find great joy in its process.

Peter Donnelly England 83

Name: Peter Donnelly

Gender: Male Country: England

Poem: My Idea of Peace Symbolized by doves and lilies, its images are white like poppies worn by Quakers in November, at their aptly quiet Meetings. Or the snow which comes later, when we talk of Peace on Earth. I think the peace is greater once these things are over, when leaves grow back and lambs are born; bluebells bloom and ducklings quack. I feel calmer between the seasons, with more money to spend for fewer reasons.

Bio: I have a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing from the University of Wales Lampeter as well as a BA in English Literature. I have written poetry for 20 years, as well as prose and drama. My poem 'Peppered Moth' was included in the Ripon Poetry Festival Anthology 'Seeing Things'. 84

Ann Palmer United Kingdom 85

Name: Ann Palmer

Gender: female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Seeds of Peace (An Eco Carol to the tune of 'O Little Town of Bethlehem'.

An age-old dream of Peace we seek within our restless hearts. Elusive as the quested Grail, invoke this ancient art. The seeds of peace we're planting in every place we go. Their touch will heal a war-torn world. Our task to help them grow.

Bio: Ann Palmer, aka Gaia Dance, writes eco-lyrics to famous out of-copyright tunes, carols, anthems and hymns. She's a founder member of Ecologisers, the Young People's International Anti-litter Charity. Ann is a published writer and poet. She teaches Creative Writing across the age-range and swims with seals at her local beach.

Name: Jude-Johnson Prisca

Gender: Female Country: Nigeria

Poem: PEACE it's a five-letter word which is indispensable it is needed by every soul in the world seems impossible but it's achievable it isn't the absence of conflict or war it is the feeling of freedom and happiness it isn't the absence of strife and bitter savour it is the breath of fresh air and gladness it is the euphoria of joy felt that you can travel anywhere no tinge of fear Neath your belt or sorrow of losing loved ones somewhere these and many more are benefits of peace all hands on deck, we can achieve world peace

Bio: Jude- Johnson Prisca Ijeoma by name I am a prolific writer, poet, ghost writer, content developer and an undergraduate in a Nigerian University I am a prospective author who's ready to change people and the world with the PEN.

Name: Bhavna Gundamaraju

Gender: Female Country: United States

Poem: As the leaves fell And the wood burned I couldn't help but remember (But perhaps remember is not the word, for I never knew.) What it would feel like To be so warm So full of joy That my eyes would reflect the sun (The end of what we know) But perhaps we were not all meant To shine (But then again, maybe we were.)

Ad Solem - b

Bio: Hi! My name is Bhavna, although I prefer to write poetry under the pen name, b. I'm an amateur poet and writer and have been writing for as long as I can remember. I've always loved words and stringing together these words to form sentences with meaning to me, and that little hobby eventually shaped me to be who I am today. 89

Name: Sidra Kausar

Gender: Female Country: Pakistan

Poem: In my dreams, there’s no place on earth

It isn't difficult to do

Nothing to kill or die for

And no religion, cast or creed too

In my dreams, all the people

Living life in peace and comfort.

Bio: I am a medical student doing MBBS. I am a GOLD MEDALIST, SILVER MEDALIST &BRONZE MEDALIST. I also won best athletics award 2019. I am a soul with full of zeal and enthusiasm.

Name: Dr. Deepti Gupta

Gender: Female Country: India

Poem: Pour Rain of Peace (PRP)

Why the nations have become so ruthless Alas, I had the divine magical power in me To plant peace on the chaotic war ridden planet If only I could transform hatred-malice into love May each man turn into Ram, Jesus ‘n Musa May Cruel hands be the hands of prayers n worship Red delonixregia of compassion be bloomed in us Golden calm canafistola be planted in each of us No guns be raised on the borders ever… May there be Welcome gate on the border of nations May all the callousness be flowed out with tears May the bitterness be turned into sweet words May we all share the pain ‘n agony of each other May we all pour rain of peace 'n harmony on earth

Bio: Former 'Professor' & 'Educational Advisor' in the Ministry of HRD, New Delhi. Served in the Hindi Dept of three top Indian universities. Creative writer for the last 34 years & 22 books into my credit. Received Sixteen prestigious ‘Literary Awards’. Many of the stories & poems are the part of syllabus in the university & colleges of India, Dubai, Sharjah, Milan, Abu Dhabi. 91

Name: A.P. Govindankutty

Gender: Male Country: India

Poem: They didn’t know when the fire started

They didn’t know when the fire started, For they were in their self-woven cocoons, They didn’t hear the stormy winds howling, Engrossed as they were in the loud chanting of unreal eulogies, Nor did they see the sky growing dark With barren portentous clouds, They knew their fall as the edifice crumbled, They felt the heat as their cocoons burst open, They saw the destruction In the light of raging flames.

Bio: A.P. Govindankutty (b.15-5-1942) hails from Kerala State, India, writes poems in Malayalam and English, has published three collections of poems in English and two in Malayalam. His fourth collection of English poems is under preparation.

Name: Lauryn Laird

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: A Dream of Yesterday?

The peace imagined by John, a dream of yesterday? At the back of a room a young girl had a dream. Her nimble fingers crafted, a paper crane of peace. She hopes someday it will float, slowly, along a river of change. In a far off place, that river begins to flow. The weapons drop and their rifles snap. Clouds of white smoke from the broken barrel form, slowly, into a dove. A promise of hope. Flying gracefully, it touched each corner. Every blood red poppy faded to white. In a nearby river, a crane floated past. Silence. Hope. Peace.

Bio: The poem asks, are we striving for peace or is it a past dream? At its core the poem features the many symbols of peace. This with the lack of structure shows the struggle for peace, tying together the universal message of hope and peace.

Dr. Ashok Chakravarthy Tholana India

Name: Dr. Ashok Chakravarthy Tholana

Gender: Male Country: INDIA

Poem: LET US BE CONSIDERATE AND KIND

Blessed is human birth with the discriminate intellect To think and decide, what’s wrong and what’s right; Yet, we often surrender to selfish and deceit intents, Drafting hostilities for grabbing even the last remnants. Unfortunately, but, we are sowing the seeds of hatred Among religions and regions, they are covertly spread; How can we defeat such a silent and violent aggressor? To protect women, children and aged from war disasters? Remember, aggressions meant to do good, are transitory, The impact of evil remains resolute in the victims’ memory; Let us focus on preventing the brutalization of human nature, That averts the ultimate suffering of people, in near future. Yes, non-violence is the greatest weapon at the disposal of mankind’ Powerful than the mighty weapons, let us be considerate and kind. Bio: A poet-writer-reviewer, Dr. Ashok Chakravarthy Tholana hails from Hyderabad City, T-State, INDIA. During his 30-year poetry stint, his poems got published in no less than 90 countries. He was conferred with several prestigious national and international awards that include four Doctorates and quite a lot of prestigious laurels and commendations. His poetry is aimed at promoting Global Harmony, Universal Peace, Protection of Environment, Safeguarding 95

Children’s and Human Rights etc. Out of 18 volumes of English poetry, 7 have been published so far.

Name: Vyomi Malik

Gender: Female Country: India

Poem: Youth for World Peace (By Vyomi Malik)

In a cave hides a man Promised heaven assembling bombs In a van waits someone, mowing down innocents To execute his mentors’ plan

In a tower, a button is pressed Unleashing terror on unsuspecting lives In a school hiding a gun Walks a child revenge on his mind

Youth join hands as soldiers of peace Confronting forces dark Upholding human dignity Youth for peace only hope for humanity

Bio: A banker by profession, Vyomi is also an internationally published poetess who finds her happiness through writing and practicing Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. She is a firm believer in youth taking a stand and working for world peace hence she supports the Soka Gakkai International's people's centric approach. 97

Name: Ryan Nicol

Gender: Male Country: United States

Poem: Harmony and Bliss spread your warmth with love and light learn to accept and not to fight we need each other as human’s do to protect ourselves and mother Earth too peace is the way, It is the path so radiate your gorgeous laugh fill the world with abundant bliss do not be afraid of going amiss the world needs you above all else so go out with confidence and gentle caress to harmonize and protect what's left we are all here to spread our love all of the darkness you are above

Bio: I am a student at the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee and I have a passion for expressing my creativity through ways that I can help others, and make others feel better. I love animals and nature, and I am currently a Biology Major hoping to help every organism on this planet big and small alike. I like to enjoy where life takes me and I want to help others to do the same.

Name: Owhonda Karaka Buduziri

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: An end of days

There is one religion; a one and true religion of a heart that beats in consonance with the dictates of a soul whose business is the joy and unfettered happiness? of one and all.

Owhonda Karaka Buduziri

Bio: Owhonda Karaka Buduziri is a graduate of mass communication, Madonna University Nigeria. He is skilled in written communication and loves to disperse knowledge. He is one of the Madonna7, and lives in Nigeria.

Name: Sophie Zhou

Gender: Female Country: Australia

Title: Imagined Season under— pregnant flowers giving birth to olive orchids and dusty tulips above— the yellow haze of unspoken bees you’ll find a boy whose heart breathes lilies, and once you do you’ll wrap him with dried skeletons of ripe fruit, and even though you won’t want to you’ll send him away with spring

Bio: Passionate writer who tries to write whenever, wherever.

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Name: Hossein Sobhani

Gender: Male Country: Iran

Poem: (Poem Title: "One")

Someday I will pick up an eraser

And cleanse the space between You and I of lines. Someday I Will have finally finished tearing down the wall That divides me and you, one brick at a time. On that day I will hold out my hand And you and I will make we. We will see all there is to see. We will be all that we can be. We cannot wait to be set free.

Written by Hossein Sobhani

Bio: Hossein Sobhani was born in 1995 in Bushehr, a sunny city south of Iran. He lived the first 23 years of his life in his hometown, where he also got his Bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature. Now he resides in Odense, Denmark, as a Master's student of English Studies at the University of Southern Denmark.

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Akinyinka Omoniyi Nigeria 102

Name: Akinyinka Omoniyi

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: Friendship

Listen friendship: Sheer tolerance truly you be; The duo opting for you, Simply need to endure The frailties of each other; The twosome ought to admit: There’s more to friendship Than mere meeting and moving around, Than the customary chit-chat; You only show your face, In the actual number of times The two parties quarrel, And settle such scuffles, With no third party involved.

Bio: Akinyinka Adebayo Omoniyi, a grammarian cum mathematician, is the author of Step-by- Step English (text), Solemn Agreement (novel), Jewel, an Anthology of Poems, From Hand to Mouth and Other Stories and a number of locally and internationally published poems, short stories and feature articles. A Nigerian sojourning in South Africa, he lectures at Northlink College, Belhar Campus Cape Town. 103

Name: Scoob

Gender: Male Country: Britain

Poem: children hearing horror stories about their visible, bright home sweet; yet fading in time that runs towards, threatening all that love and hope are ignorant to their own misdeeds of bliss, that runs thin in our own words, of warning likewise, our time runs out

Bio: Scoob is a poet, who believes he can amount to something, like everyone else does. He is unpublished yet has a book ready and is on the lookout for publishers to print it for him as he has no money to do it himself.

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Name: Henry Amami

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: Prayers to a bleak world

We actually could make do with an "amen" in times such as these. To the tragically departed and the bereaved, the world over. The motive is one and the same -creed and credit! Man's inclination to profit flesh at the detriment of humanity May man rise above; religion, tongues and colour! May man kill greed! May peace reign above terror in the heart of man. May the humanity in man win. And may the you, that is you, not just say "amen" but live with a heart filled with love and genuineness of interests for man and nature. Amen!

-Amami H.

Bio: Henry Amami is a Nigerian citizen of the world, a lover of humanity and nature, a friend and most importantly, a brother. He writes and indulges as an expression of love and high veneration for poetry, photography, humanity, nature and life as a whole

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Name: Francis Ocran

Gender: Male Country: Ghana

Poem: RAIN

I woke on a swirling black clouds To wind, to rain, to none The hook and its bait on the withered plain Waiting for a prey to swallow and be chocked Cutlass should till fields not friends Missiles should launch balloons not homes Diversity be a teacher and we his learners Not to disjuncture us as heaven and earth We adore diverse creators For our multicolor and multicultural Meanwhile diversity is a rainbow That can wake the unconscious folks And make rain satisfy the withered plain For our bait to catch a shoal not us

Bio: Francis Ocran comes from Accra, Ghana. A prolific poet and an enthusiastic tutor. He has many of his pieces published in many international literary magazines. Most of his works can be found on his personal blog; francispoems. He is currently working on compiling his works into a book. He writes what he senses in his own world. 106

Name: Rebecca Barboza

Gender: Female Country: Netherlands

Poem: A message from the other side

I was attached to the body, to the house, to the car. But in the end it doesn’t matter, But the love that we share with each-other, And the light that we shine on people’s lives. How many lives did you touch? How many souls did you hear? How many hands did you hold? How many hearts did you steal? I might sound insane, but I’m just right awake. From the illusion of this world. To the reality of our universe. We don’t own nothing, and nothing owns us. We just share our blessings. And leave a mark behind.

Bio: Rebecca Barboza was born on the 4rth of December 1990, in Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brazil. 107

One day before her 12th birthday, she moved to the Netherlands with her parents, where she currently resides. Rebecca discovered her passion for writing when she won a poetry contest in high school, and she has been writing poems and songs since then.

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Name: Sharna Young

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Heaven's feathers on a dove High above our grey ground Barely makes a raucous sound But like its wings spreads love

The peace sign staining walls Stamped across hippies' chests The seventies rainbow lover's crest And the rocking peace-time calls

Fingers pointed in the upturned V shape Victory and embracing war's finish Hope that the endless fighting will diminish An enduring symbol replayed on grey tape

Bio: I am a film student with a passion for writing, and I like to use as many types of writing - non-fiction, stories, poems - to look back on history and build on my future. As a bisexual woman with mental health issues, I would like to use my voice to look at these parts of myself that others will hopefully recognise and be inspired by.

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Name: Austin Jani

Gender: Male Country: Myanmar

Poem: Where do I go ~~~~~~~~~ When I'm feeling so lost and I don't want to be found? When I'm looking and listening for that peace in my heart. But I know I'll never hear that sound. Where do I go? Where do I go when I'm trying to laugh but all I can do I cry? I'm trying to keep on living because I'm not ready to die. Where do I go because the sun never seems to shine? Can you give me my life back' it's not yours, it's mine? How do I keep going, how do I fight this fight? I'm tired of feeling beat down, but I'm trying with all my might! Where do I go when my head hangs so low? Please give me an answer because I just don't know! Where do I go? Does it take very long? For me to find that peace and a place where I belong? I need you to help me, help me to take a stand. I'm scared to do it by myself; will you please take my hand?

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Bio: I'm from Myanmar,Buthidaung's Townships. I'm Rohingya Muslim. My name is Austin Jani. I'm University Student. I'm graduated in 2015 with B.A(History) Now I’m attending at University. Now I’m live in Bangladesh’s Refugee Camp

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Name: Jacob Daniel Laari

Gender: Male Country: Ghana

Title: PEACE OF MIND I could see darkness walking with light, The rat searching palm kernels with the cat, The monkey sharing banana with the wild, Differences reconciled. The rich is a friend to the poor, Helping the poor to break the chain, And build his own door. The lands no more complain, For peace has been the campaign. An outcry coming out from every window, Like a breeze from the seas, Proclaiming "now there is peace!" Brother reaching out to a brother For a butter.

Bio: I am a Ghanaian, 26 years old, A teacher at the basic level, I love poetry with passion and love to project peace into the world through poetry. Nature is where I get my motivation. 112

Name: Cyrus Horkosun

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: Theme: Peace Title: Frith

Let us all bury the bleeding hatchets, That has come a long distance from metal To take away our brotherly souls Into the darkened land of the dead’s. Our eyes rob us of seeing tomorrow As poisonous famished hatchet slice Our life's tasty neck like ripped onions.

Let the slaughtering and mournful days marry the grave, With no innovation of resurrecting Into the infant's generation As they live a comfort world With living dreams fulfilled.

Bio: My name is Cyrus Okosun. Am from Edo state, I live in Lagos with my parents And I schooled in state senior high school oyewole, Lagos, Nigeria. I am an art student 113

Name: Greg Bevin

Gender: Male Country: New Zealand

Poem: Fear is an illusion, living life without fear is living life free. You can let your pain by forgiveness or hold onto your pain forever, the choice is yours and everyone has a choice. Most are so busy rushing straight ahead they never look up, who looks at the stars these days. The sun is also a star. These days’ people are racing to wait in line and don't know what to do when they see someone finally cares. People say get your head out of the clouds, I say the clouds are a very beautiful place to be. Reach for the stars, imagine. What is a home? Is it a house? is it a country? is it a world? Wouldn't one want to protect one home? Wouldn't one want to stand for one's home? wouldn't one want to create a happy environment in one's home? What is wealth? what do most class as wealth? what if we had an unmaterialistic view of wealth? Is it possible to stop a surging wave? The waves are waiting for the earth to embrace! The sun waits with patience in the sky. Fate to shivers. The world is ready to embrace this wave of peace, love, happiness and unity.

Bio: Hi, nz country farmer guy. Loving life after living life like it was a chore. Discovered the key to happiness, peace, love and unity and just want to spread the word. A new year's resolution to cause a revolution, make all our new year's resolutions world peace, world love, world happiness and world unity 114

Name: Akinola Favour

Gender: Female Country: Nigeria

Poem: NO TO VIOLENCE! From afar I hear drums of war. I see nations fight against each other. I witness brothers kill themselves. Violence is now the world’s watchword.

When will the killing and hatred end? The boarders have been closed due to violence. Humans now butcher themselves like animals. Our religions preach peace yet they blame it.

Peace should rule not violence. Stop the violence! Let peace fill the air. Yes! To peace Akinola Favour

Bio: My name is Akinola Favour, a student of the University of Lagos. I started writing poetry in 2017 due to depression of not been given admission that year and since then, writing has become a part of me.

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Ismail Junaid Oluwadamilare Nigeria 116

Name: Ismail Junaid Oluwadamilare

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: SONG OF PEACE

Many pens scribble down lines around peace, many shall scribble still more, when read them I, disperse my thoughts, tears and wails in between each letters. many mouths have spoken around peace, many more shall speak, yet gnashing teeth of streaming soul dominate the land. The glebe listens to heartbeats, of sporadic bullets showering, and hell like, for it hanker it more. A Creed tied to their soul, after war, comes peace. No peace lives on glebe, Adam and Eve left in chaos, the Garden, in wariness birthed men, so peace lives not on land.

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Bio: Ismail Junaid Oluwadamilare with the popular cognomen "Paciolo Pen Saint" is an aspiring poet who wants to write to outlive his existence after his extinction. He is a graphics designer also a student studying Accountancy at the polytechnic of Ibadan.

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Name: Veronica Aaronson

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: World Peace Day

One of the slat on the bench overlooking the North Beach is home to a mosaic of sleeping snails. Each one has found its place. They fit together as neatly as a dry stone wall, each protecting the other.

Bio: Has had many poems published online and in magazines and anthologies. Her only collection is: Nothing about the Birds is Ordinary This Morning published by Indigo Dreams. She is the co-founder of the Teignmouth Poetry Festival and lives in South Devon surrounded by trees.

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Name: Antaryami Mishra.

Gender: Male Country: India

LOVERS OF PEACE We are crying a lot Knowing nothing: striving for what Here, there, everywhere, slogan sounds better. We are reading, only reading a lot randomly Without realization: if sustaining power being born, freely Craze for chair, run for power, can ever rescue from quagmire? We are found frequently speaking, nicely ticking merits of peace Hounding offices, halting on mid- ways hooting breach of peace Situation, scenario change only to come out in new edition Worried about more wealth, bargain it away with pleasing present Buried secret of toppling others seems way of joy permanent Piecemeal measures fail finding cures for killing competition. Peace! Peace! Peace! let’s feel within as many times Peace! peace! peace! let’s pray within until everyone feels. . Bio: Antaryami Mishra,working as a lecturer in English in R.D.C.H.S. School, Puri, Odisha is a bi-lingual poet writing both in Odia and English. He has been published in more than half a dozens of national and international Literary journals and more than 50 online famous poetic forums. He is a Pentasi B World Friendship Poetry featured poet in 2019. Love, fellow-feeling, peaceful co-existence, social issues and treatment of Nature in a dreamy, evocative way find place in his poetry. 120

Name: Siviwe Honobroke Mashiyi

Gender: Male Country: South Africa

Poem: Title: vision peace. visionary motive of peace of was, now to be motivational spoken to heart of peace peaceful motion of musical peace of beauty of the soul of a spoken heart passionate soul looking for peace, edge of was to passion of will be in certain peace, peace of mind, release of mind, mind me when I walk in the walk of peace journey of peace is piece of shapes of I'm trying to figure out, out of the dark to the light of peace, free the chained mind, to release the soul, to begin it until, until what was holding me back, to release me i choose peace, to walk in peace & happiness.

Bio: I am self-made, self-motivated, self-taught individual in screenplay, writing, music producing, filmmaking, t content, model scouting, shooting and photographic work, over the 7 years a self-made individual, I have three self-published books, 11 independent short films, 4 musical production albums, over 50 model scouting and over a million photographic work.

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Name: Tsapy Djihafia Lavoisier Junior

Gender: Male Country: Cameroon

Poem: "I am Cameroon"

I am the groans of the nightfall And the tears of a broken nation I am the pain of a mother's persecution And the gunshots of day and night

I am the silence of freedom of expression And the fear of a homeless anglophone I am the victim of a silent justice And the they of my own dissatisfaction

But i am also the promise of a new beginning And the convictions of national Unity I am the Peace, work and fatherland Of a people that will stand together.

Bio: Tsapy lavoisier Junior was born on September 2nd 1996 in Bafoussam ,Cameroon and is currently a student in law aspirant lawyer and youth advocate.

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Dr. Dariusz Pacak Austria

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Name: Dr. Dariusz Pacak

Gender: Male Country: Austria- Europe

Poem: Dariusz Pacak

IN DECORATIONS OF PROFANUM

Planet Earth, are you a vision of the Immeasurable Spaces Sculptor’s, or result of the Unmoved Mover’s crazy power? maybe you are a spark of the Primeval Spirit in the vortex between the Light and darkness?

Earth, invented rapidly from the untouched matter of time as a free electron in outer space, from the outside of the available imagination circle. oh you, Planet! the malediction of lost paradises, staying enslaved by the human ego into the shape of a bleary deed, you, fallen worlds’ vengeance, 124

are you a blue shadow only of that what possible? unattainable, what was here & we have despised it choosing the abyss of the Night, hiding ourselves behind the scenes of glitz, for the fear of Everyday Sacrum!

You, the theater of unbridled will on the wasteland of hedonism… in the name of magnanimous God,

You, The Earth of Mankind, redeem human being!

Vienna, 5Feb.-5March 2018.

Bio: DARIUSZ PACAK- poet & essayist settled in Austria. MFA in Department of Opera Singing and Drama (Univ. of Music), Poland1998. Hon. Doctor Degree of Literature (World Academy of Arts and Culture & World Congress of Poets), USA 2011. Awarded and worldwide published, in 14 languages. He has authored 5 books, included in 65 World Anthologies, has 150 worldwide publications in literary magazines, besides 140 on the web. Honored with grants from Ministry of Culture &Arts (Poland) and Ministry of Research and Science (Austria 1997), Ministry of Culture & National Heritage (Poland 2018), Pentasi B (Philippines) Lifetime Achievement Award (Poetry World Festival, Hyderabad, India 2017), with Naji Naaman’s Honor Prize (Lebanon 2016), et al. He is regularly invited to attend a number of international festivals and congresses in America, Europe, Asia, Africa. He visited 60 countries.

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Name: Sanjal Adani

Gender: Female Country: India

Poem: The Silence

The wind blew, cold and dry Through the deserted land Deserted by war, not people Now lay a Hundred hand Some holding letters Some holding weapons Once there lived a happy town With fares and children around Now there lies a Gilded crown Gunshots were the only sound. Of Mindless heads and Sinful fights Where the martyrs showed their might Wars, weapons and news headlines Soaring and falling Sensex lines.

Bio: I am a PDPU Student, pursuing my BBA (Hons.). I love to write but peace is a topic I wrote about for the first time. I have published some of my works on Launchora.com. This would be my first time submitting a poem on such a stage as I have never had the courage to do so. I hope you like my work and looking forward to your feedback! :)

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Name: Cat Brogan

Gender: female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: A Sonnet for Lyra A voice detonates in the fortified failures of governors who abstain while rain stains hilly cobbles, tides through slits in city walls. Another daughter cross fired, muraled to the mind field, discharged will reporting fifty years of barely men battening brains with grenades. Rags of resistance stuffed into historic bottles Ignite with inherited hatred and are lobbed towards a future where fire is a cleanser. Free my fields of the ferocity of teenage males and the obstinacy of the elderly, amplify the middle ground who prefer Saracens in white. Terraform a land from terrorism, apprentice boys to develop beyond blazing barricades.

Bio: In 2011, Cat won the BBC Edinburgh Fringe Poetry Slam. Originally from Northern Ireland, she has performed internationally in over 20 countries, including Pakistan, Kenya, Cambodia, and USA. Media appearances include the BBC & Irish media. Cat graduated top of her cohort with a Masters as a Writer/Teacher, becoming a full time Spoken Word Educator in London for three years.

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Funded by the British Council, she came to Malaysia in April 2016 to research spoken word education in Kuala Lumpur. Her academic work has been presented at conferences, published in a journal and is the subject of her TEDx Talk.

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Name: Georgia Brown

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Halcyon Weather.

Bask in the light of the winter solstice, Free from tears and bitter injustice, Liberation comes from blue kingfisher wings, Charming all storms with new hope she brings, Peaceful lands for brave young feathers, Life always thrives in good halcyon weather.

Bio: My name is Georgia Brown, 21, from Gates head. I enjoyed writing this poem with the theme of peace- having taken inspiration from the Greek myth of Alcyone.

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Name: Pawel Markiewicz

Gender: Male Country: Poland Poem: The Victory Ode to the dreamy peace My poesy is for you - peace - invocation that enchanted peaceful birds at adoration. The peace as ghost needs also become a lily. My fire for the sake of the peace flies blissfully. I like valedictorians from Ivory coast, carrying a weird of peace such a druidic priest. I see in winter muses the peace-like blossoms, my tender heartlet of peace - the bee-like bosom. My dreamery about the peace is indeed meek. My poems are for the peace cute dream in the wind. Hummingbirds feel Apollonianly magic vans. There are charming peace-starlings full of dreamiest lights.

Bio: Paweł Markiewicz was born in 1983 in Poland (Siemiatycze). He has has English haikus as well as short poems published in the good literary magazines in the world, including Ginyu (Tokyo), Atlas Poetica (U.S.), and The Cherita (U.K.). He writes dreamy poesy and flash fiction.

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Name: Kalpana Maheshwari

Gender: Female Country: India

Poem: Peace in my mind and peace in the world, That is what I want to attain. Materialistic things are in the world, But that’s not what I want to gain. When I look at puzzled faces, orphaned kids, And sad expression on women’s face; gives me pain.

O Creator of this world, listen to my request, Please convert the world into a peaceful nest, Where your children can work and take rest, And make this planet and habitants the best, Then for all the living beings of this earth, Life will become like a never-ending fest.

Bio: A native of India from the capital Delhi, I work as a Professor. My leisure time activities are listening to music and reading books. I enjoy teaching students and solving their problems. As budding writer, I want my work to reach to more and more of readers.

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Name: Tevin Wandile Andrews

Gender: Male Country: South Africa

Poem: It was a peaceful place. Thank God. - How did it happen? Our arms were wide open We were lusting for the light and holding our tongues when it came. You wanted confirmations, confrontations past midnight and I had to tell my truth that went a little like: ' It feels like a familiar space. A face I've been longing to see, beaming now. Just as sparkly as I knew it then. ' I could not admit that my eyes were tired and the tips of my toes were tingly I didn't want it to end there, it could never with me anyway 132

so the rest went more like: ' It's something else trying to get through with these adult bones of ours. We are so fully formed and all my teeth are ashamed. The memories don't help, I feel overgrown. but here we are, anyway... Listening to the last moon singing. Listening to the last moon singing. ' (ii)

- And what did it have to say? Hush now, child. Open your heart to the world. - And how did it say it? There was that light flesh-teasing breeze reminding us of our mortality. Thank God. It was a peaceful place.

Bio: Tevin Wandile Andrews is a young, committed, dynamic and talented individual with a diverse set of skills and extensive experience that has stretched me into an all-round individual and I believe that there are no limits in life. As an experienced communications professional, I have a track record that speaks for itself in a variety of capacities. The 5 things that make me stand out from the crowd: - I am a hardworking and diligent individual.- Unorthodox 133

Name: Joseph S. Spence, Sr.

Gender: Male Country: United States

Poem: Peacefully Monumental Matrimonial Moment!

Peacefully with love standing beside her made her heart raced like a swift flowing river. Peacefully with love taking her hand crystallized water flowed from her eyes in peace like soft dripping rain drops. Peacefully with love embracing her made her pulse started beating like African dancing drums. Peacefully placing the golden ring on her finger sealed with a kiss made her mind, body and soul peacefully soured like an eagle!

Bio: Joseph S. Spence, Sr., is a professional military veteran, poet, speaker, and book reviewer of over fifty books. He authored seven books: 1) “A Trilogy of Poetry, Prose and Thoughts for the Mind, Body and Soul," a best seller. 2) “Trilogy Moments for the Mind, Body and Soul," won the Best Christian Poetry Award, and 3) “The Awakened One Poetics," won second place in the Critters Writers Workshop, and publisher’s best seller. He co-authored four additional poetry books with the Worldwide Poetry Alliance, UK, with 100% royalty donated to charities for medical help. 134

Name: MD DANISH KHAN

Gender: MALE Country: INDIA

Poem: Peace is Possible

Peace with nature we should acquire; Or do we think the air we breathe is not required?

Freedom, love, and peace our souls will imbibe; If we don't divide on the basis of color and tribe.

We will feel at peace and give our souls a favor; While we take care of orphans and neighbours.

Peace with world is simple and shrine; We have to be best and leave everything to divine.

Now when we know that love should not be leased; Finally, our world can then attain peace.

Bio: Staying true to one's feeling is what inspires me. Being a passionate student and a medical aspirant, I have a lot of ambitions in mind. Though, I like living a simple life, I am that boy next door, who wouldn't hesitate to knock either. It's been quite a while since I have started writing. Now I often choose to pen down my feelings on paper. Contributing towards social causes and various issues is how I look my future as. 135

Muhammad Amir Hamzah Indonesia

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Name: Muhammad Amir Hamzah

Gender: Male Country: Indonesia

Poem: Peace Park

Stand in the middle of a flower garden And start opening your inner human eyes To see flowers of various colors There is no dominant color All swayed to follow the harmony of the wind Which brings love and peace The garden is a land of difference Growing human love for diversity Illuminated by the sun of God's love Really beautiful peace, is not it? Let's tighten your grip, Peace in our hands

Bio: A student at Surabaya State University Born at the foot of Mount Bromo Active Organizing Hobby of writing and reading Created poetry of love and peace And for him love poetry like his lover. 137

Name: Melonie Barnaby

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Give peace a chance, in this beautiful paradise entitled life. We still have time to make this right. War, anguish, heartache and pain. In this genre, there is no need to remain.

Encircle your families and friends in love. Sprinkled with the peace of a lily white dove. The grass is a calmness of green, the trees are in fullness of bloom. The light of life is cascading from the glow of the moon.

Let the peace of life take a hold of your heart. So that happiness from you shall never, ever depart. Give peace a chance and let it live. This is a truly, blessed and wonderful gift to give.

Bio: Melonie Barnaby is a freelance poet. To date having no published poems. Presently working on some material with a reputable publisher for an upcoming poetry book. Obtained a BA Honours Degree in Family and Community support.

Melonie Barnaby lives in Birmingham, England. Currently employed has a Support worker and a Nanny. 138

Name: Daniel Walubengo

Gender: Male Country: Kenya

Poem: Peace ______

When safety itself is not safe When tender is rough When ears become deaf When it is easy to get tough The truth becomes wrong.

Peace is in pieces Until we put it together Love is at ease Let bring it together For together we get love Bio: Born in 1989 in Western Kenya Went to St. Francis High school Married Studied literature at University of Nairobi Writer of several poems Best in literature at St Francis high school 2006 139

Name: Bernard Hugo Demaere

Gender: Male Country: Canada

Poem: Peace on Earth

God has promised, Peace on earth, On whom his favor rest, Why do you seek, Peace among the dead? Life will come to you, And peace to those, Who are true. To God God is the author of Peace. he grants it, To those who seek him, He will give them rest, Through Jesus’s death.

Bio: I am originally from Belgium. I live with my spouse in Canada and I have written unpublished poems for many years. I love people and I love to write. I want to communicate through my poetry the difference God made in my life with peace. I have written 475 poems in English of many subjects.

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Name: Sukanya Basu Mallik

Gender: Female Country: India

Poem: 'Think' Make love not war, Open doors, Set aside those walls. We’re breathing the same fragile air - Fragile and vulnerable; What's to compare? Different religion, race, culture? What’s the distinction? Oh, it's just on the face. Besides that, Is there any difference at all? Just give it a thought. Think, For that is an activity that does no harm, Neither bloodshed nor destruction, It does so much. By doing so little, It could both save and kill us all, Why at all go walking about, 141

Churning your false ego, And dragging your pride along? There you go, Embezzling dignities, That you snatch off of the other! How dignified is it really, if anything at all? Common world we live, Obvious language we speak, Just think over it! Let us treasure this and make love; Let's make it a better place for both you and for me.

Bio: Sukanya Basu Mallik is a multi-genre author, film and book critic. She has been published in various journals, magazines, and anthologies nationally and internationally including Reader’s Digest, Times of India, Sahitya Akademi Bimonthly Journal, Lucidity Int. Poetry Journal, SEAL (South East Asian Literature) festival anthologies and AIPF Int. Anthology (Austin International Poetry Festival). She has also received a number of awards; The Best Manuscript Awards for fiction & non-fiction categories (Mumbai Literature Festival 2018) being her latest achievements. Her short story ‘Healing of wounds’ has been awarded a certificate of merit by National Children’s Literature Festival and shall be included in an anthology compiled by eminent author, Ruskin Bond. Her latest releases include Mocktail and Metoo. Her movie reviews have been 142

published in various newspapers and journals of repute. Her research paper 'Voicing of perspective through creativity – an in- depth analysis of Devika Das’s works'. has been selected for publication by 'The Expression: An International Multidisciplinary e- Journal', ISSN: 2395-4132 (Online)| A Peer-Reviewed Journal | Impact Factor: 3.9. She's the only undergraduate student to be considered for a research paper publication by the journal so far. To learn more visit www.sukanyabasumallik.com

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Name: Dinesh Upadhyay

Gender: Male Country: India

Poem: Peace 14 lines (Shakespearean sonnet) Man in depression gets involved in struggle Not with others but with his own feeble soul And is perished by death which is inevitable How to get rid of this is still beyond control? Materialism and carnal desires keep us away All the moments advancing ahead with time From way of thinking positively night and day And forcefully push back in the life of crime. Vigour and strength get betrayal by violence Annihilating what we call mutual relationship. Unfortunately, there is left not an evidence; It's like a hurt page of history lashed by whip. But as man goes via transcendent meditation The fountain of peace starts with felicitation.

Bio: Born in a small village of Rajasthan (India), started writing literature and got three books published; Two and Half Years (Novel), Delicate Bond (poems) and Let's Chat (communication skills). Working as English Teacher and run his own institute THE ENGLISH WORKSHOP in town DIDWANA, got reward by District collector, Nagour.

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Name: Anna Ghataure

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: The question to myself.

A table to myself; a pair made of three. A phone call home; It was a crying me. A solemn walk alone; a team made of three. A phone call home, it was a fine me. A high-five by the locker, questions asked by three. A phone call home, it was a smiling me. A laughing filled-morning, a happiness I could see. A phone call home, it was a very happy me. A question to myself. Had they accepted me? No, The question to myself. I had accepted me.

Bio: A new writer, seeking solitude in the escapism of poetry. Currently working in London. Using writing as a passion to find time to herself. Enjoying the smaller things in life, taking time for oneself, a cup of coffee in the morning.

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Name: Adeleke Lateef Adetunji

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: THE HOMELESS PEOPLE OF MY LAND.

Home is an imaginary word for my people: Who watched their wards wasted? to weapons. by doom brought behind the boom of gun. In Sun, In rain, they run, in vain. no shoulder to lean on. It has long been broken unaware. No stick to walk on, The throat of an heir. They are busy like a race baton. hoping for the race to turn.

They Became acerbic,

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But nomadic.

Home Is but imaginary for my people: With biggest dream in their mind But way is too dark To tow. Like a stagnant water, It eventually dried upon calling home without answer.

Home is but imaginary for my people: Who troad the road in the day, But in the night, drag mat with the mad after the hustle bustle of the day. Just a fight to bury their head till the next ray. They are homeless. Lateef.A.

Bio: Lateef Adetunji is a graduate of linguistics and languages in Adekunle Ajasin university. He is the winner of fithra review 2019 poetry category

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Name: Norberto Franco Cisneros

Gender: male Country: USA

Poem: NATURE KNOWS NOT WAR

The brook follows the path of least resistance It does not confront obstacles It embraces them Nature knows not war

The landscape is tranquil, peaceful Nature likes it that way Rolling shades of green sprinkle, the velvet hills with A myriad display of colorful flowers Flaunting the multi-hues of the rainbow

The eye follows the brook’s unimpeded meandering path A Monarch jig-jaggedly flies in glee Its life will shortly come to an end but That’s Nature’s way too

A dark brown and brittle dry leaf Detached by a tender wind 148

Floats and softly lands on a fallen twig It remembers where it came from

Clear water caresses the rocks underneath, Whispering sweet, gurgling, purling sounds Its watery arms embrace the smooth stones As it fills the cracks between them

This is Nature making love with passion Subtleties which go unnoticed to the human eye Are nevertheless relevant in their spirit As life unfolds its evolution.

When we make love. who sees us? Sometimes we don’t even see each other We often forget that love is tender, giving, Nurturing, healing and compassionate Nature knows this – We should too.

Bio: Poet published in various world venues. Looking to enlighten readers of the peace the world has never known and bring it the serenity that gives hearts and minds ease as well as pointing out the physical destruction of human life and its places war obliterates. This poem shows the many natural things we turn a blind eye to in our daily hectic lives.

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Name: Shuvendu Sarkar

Gender: Male Country: Bangladesh

Poem: Unknown elegy

I need a breath that flows with my horoscope I’ve a leftover pain smudges with my written tears Sea of wind there I saw myself to the Fortune that never glow. Yearning with beautiful sorrow and Cut with broken cup there my skin colored drink retains Light to my universe lightly it thee Flow everyone with me who Wants to flee

Rightfully I got my floor on the queer side I smear my pot with weeping mud in vain to cross The silent limit. Here everything is sour with the dope like flower Tie Michelle my ropes are soaked Oh to you and the brightness in my blind smell Swing to laugh in a clay cloud Here I want to feel again droplet to peel Light to my universe lightly it thee 150

Flow everyone with me who Wants to flee.

Bio: I am a poet of consciousness. My style of writing is non-rhythmic. John Milton is my favorite poet. I started writing poems at the age of 13. My parents support me a lot in poem writing. In future I want to increase my quality of poetry writing.

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Name: Mark Morris

Gender: Male Country: United Kingdom

Poem: listening online to a softly spoken monk - mellowing our minds.

Bio: Mark is a journalist with more than a decade of experience writing for major broadcasters and national publications in the UK.

He runs the Twitter account Pure Land Haiku, which has a simple goal best explained in the form of its strap-line: haiku to help you relax.

In addition to the above, Mark has recently started making music inspired by haiku poetry.

Unrelated to poetry, he also produces music on a semi-professional basis under a pseudonym.

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Name: Carl Scharwath

Gender: male Country: US

Poem: NATALITY

Every baby is born to greatness there is a stainless beauty installed in a clean heart love and tolerance wired into the soul The Latin Vulgate an icon of purpose imbues and cicerones the steady hand of a mother and father Lost in luminescent daylight and memories of thermal water to what end humanity awaits its glorious creation

Bio: Carl Scharwath, has appeared globally with 150+ journals selecting his poetry, short stories, interviews, essays, plays or art photography (His photography was featured on the cover of 6 literary journals.) Two poetry books 'Journey to Become Forgotten' (Kind of a Hurricane Press).and 'Abandoned' (ScarsTv) have been published. 153

Name: Edith Elvira Colqui Rojas

Gender: Female Country: Perú

Poem: THATS THE PEACE

May peace not be a dove sitting on its titanium bench, that elevates its flight throughout the interplanetary universe, May your wings never stop beating despite the incredulous worn voices, and the storm of negativity and hopelessness.

That his voice does not petrify in congresses and barren speeches, Let him take a certain flight and nest in men in urgent beats.

May peace be accessible to the sea; May we have it between our fingers.

May peace not be a wink or a blink, that is possible fertile land For the coveted brotherhood.

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Author: Edith Elvira Colqui Rojas-Peru-Rights Reserved

Bio: BIOGRAPHY EDITH ELVIRA COLQUI ROJAS

Edith Elvira Colqui Rojas, Peruvian poet and writer, born in Lima, studied Language and Literature at the Inca Garcilaso de la Vega and Law University at the San Martín de Porres University in Lima. I was a radio broadcaster Magic Spain, radio broadcaster with her Kids in Plenitude program. Administrator of the Nepal group, Group of Spain and manages her own pages and poetry groups on Facebook, (Live in poetry, United Poets, Children in fullness, Full woman) She received distinctions in the poetic groups of Facebook, Google, World Poetry Spain, OME (World Writers Organization)

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Name: Wendy Ronshausen

Gender: Female Country: United States of America

Poem: PEACE THRIVES Funny how gossip and lies Rules people lives If one is wise He will not allow them To survive Above this madness One can thrive Peace is alive

Bio: My name is Wendy Ronshausen. I have been writing poetry since I was a High school student. I am now in my fifty's and poetry will forever be part of me. Awards are nice to have but they are not the most important things to me. Expression of poetry is what truly brings peace to my heart.

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Megha Sood United States

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Name: Megha Sood

Gender: Female Country: United States

Poem: A semblance of Peace

Prolific destruction of nature every day humanity gutted like a fish, etching a scar in the heart of the Gaia when the blood of your own fills the street a moment slipping from our palms we clenched too tightly, only to disappear into the unknown An uncaring praying mantis lands on my palms rests softly-- calling it a safe space A hope births in the midst of this chaos of destruction a flicker of hope, a semblance of peace.

Bio: Megha Sood is a contributing member at Free Verse Revolution, Sudden Denouement, Whisper and Roar and poetry editor at Ariel Chart. Her 300+ works have been featured in Adelaide, FIVE:2: ONE, Quail Bell, Dime show review, etc. Works featured in 28 other anthologies by the US, Australian and Canadian Press. Two-time state-level winner of NAMI NJ Poetry Contest 2018/2019.National level poetry finalist in Poetry Matters Prize 2019. 158

Name: Amara Christa

Gender: Female Country: Nigeria

Poem: DREAM OF PEACE

Even in stuffy moments When the world feels breathless And the turbulent waters stir hot. When the sun goes red hot And its heat turns disastrous, raining splattered bruises on the green grasses beneath... That, it is the time to stand still and think unity in one accord. It is the time to let go of blood-for-blood and stop singing the songs of tired soldiers. It is the time to let both hands clap softly and remain glued with the magnet of the old. It is the time to let go of axes and colors; thereby, embracing each other; tiring to pieces the black apparels of blood, interchanging with the white apparel of peace.

Bio: Amara Christa is a budding Poet and a creative writer. She is a Nigerian who believes in advocating for peace and justice. She fights with her pen and her words are strength.

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Name: Amanda Baker

Gender: female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Make Pancakes Not War

Make pancakes not war, make love don’t fight. Talk it over have a cuppa, be still, be the light.

Don’t shoot to kill, plant sunflowers, grow crops, fix the world. You can’t call back harsh words once they’ve been hurled.

Make peace with joyful noise, have a hug, be my friend. Don’t go on like this, stumbling to the end.

Let the sum of your happiness outweigh your despair. Make pancakes and love if you dare…

Bio: Amanda Baker is an author, poet, spoken word comedy performer, blogger (Brown Girl Outside the Ring) and current affairs letter writer. She lives in Edinburgh, UK and is a mother of three and grandmother of two.

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Name: Agyei Daniel

Gender: Male Country: Ghana

Poem: THE PINK LEVER Whoosh whoosh whoosh!!! The freaking bell breaks its law again The Christmas Eve was just a tale The feathers of chicks were just at hail Arrows of pains were in their veins The hot-reddish path was gained Key claimed as if the dame was lame Cocky perfumes all-over the wailing sail Dogs wail for the eve is great The time of pain was over for a new day to begin in weightless end Mamma was good to stay in hay for there’s no work for her to lay Bones were many for puppies to play As they sing "the day is young and hay Cats were in hard diet For the enemy was at hand the whole night No captives were found in their way light Birds rejoice in the loud voice they could know The box created for a special snow Never got to sow 161

They reap nothing like cold Hottie! Hottie! The weather was bold The rain too never unfolds Winds were brails and never woed Happy we were for the families were in whole Music was played to close the hole Magic tale were happening in front of our face No war was found in trace The dogs and cats took honey and went on dates They made a lot of money cos they dance in gates The birds too went for the puppies for there was nothing Coney in the fairies.

Bio: I'm Danny a 16-year-old boy who has passion for reading and writing. An SHS graduate looking for admission to a university that will help me grow my talent. I love to write and I wrote this poem for Christmas. After reading the poem you will have no doubt about the theme peace sounding throughout.

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Name: Nermin Delic

Gender: Male Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Poem: who wiped out our childhood? peace is a crib in which our children sleep and grow. it is often not quiet. it is often abused. it knows to play for the human ear. in the evening, peace like to cover people not to get cold. alive like a river peace is place where we bathe. as a granddaughter, it is kept in our lap. ... peace has all the definitions and has none. leaning toward the future though, i think: peace is just a migrant who escaped from death to us.

Bio: Nermin Delic (born July 7,1995) is young Bosnian-Herzegovinian writer, better known as a founder of Sweet Duels (Bosnian: Mili Dueli) - online Balkan poetry contest. Through his volunteer work on Mili Dueli he started to improve war-torn cultural dialogue between Balkan nations. In October 2018, after he successfully presented his project on European Youth Festival (EYA), Forbes published article about his fight with hate speech on Balkans. As a student of generation, he finished Medical High School in his town Jajce. After it, he started studies on Faculty of Medicine on University of Sarajevo. 163

Name: Fergus White

Gender: Male Country: United Kingdom

Poem: A Criticism of War

I stepped into the mouth of War, Its jaws clamping closed upon my bones, weak as my will to live. Pain, red and hot as the love I once felt Engulfed me, suppressing the primal bodily jerks and spasms. I feel no love anymore.

There was almost an inevitability to the icy metal penetrating my warm flesh: My chest spat blood, a metallic red mist clouding my vision. Disembodied, I watched as my frame was thrown back by the unstoppable force of death. All I could do was watch as swathes of similar men marched forward, Most suffering the same fate. I will forever be indebted to God for allowing my consciousness to slowly fade Into nothingness.

Call me a cynic, But isn’t this what was meant to happen? The suits with their grey hair And grey faces 164

And grey minds. They don’t care for us. This was all part of the big plan: I was nothing but a puppet of Bureaucracy.

I just pray that over my grave was the Stars and Stripes And that my mother could hear the Star-Spangled Banner. Maybe she would be proud of me, Dying valiantly for my country. Maybe, deep down, I am proud of my service. Proud to pay the ultimate sacrifice for my beautiful country. Proud to preserve Capitalism. Proud to put money in the pockets of warmongers.

Does that star-spangled banner still wave Over the land of the free and the home of the brave?

God bless America!

This poem is a subtle criticism of warfare, from the perspective of an imaginary World War 2 U.S soldier. Bio: I am Fergus, 16-year-old student from UK!

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Name: Katie Anderson Gender: Female country: United States

Poem:

Silver eyes of the sapphire skies gaze downward, as we stars-in-flesh look inward, and onward. We gather in the garden, where we join hands and sing of the beauty that never left us, That, in our travails we had forgotten, and in silence, came to know again. In that moment we knew the union of all souls. We spread our wings in the towering heights, for we are the raptors in the heavens, and the trees from root to stem. We are the ebb and flow of the ocean, and the stillness in the calm of the storm. We are the rays of light that shimmer and shine, The luminous harmonies of the hidden lights and the secret Sun.

Bio: Katie Anderson is a writer, poet, and scholar whose work has appeared in The Far Shining One, The Diviner’s 166

Handbook, Celebrating Poetry 2018, and Lilith: Dark Feminine Archetype. Her poetry is inspired by studies in the field of the humanities and addresses themes of the transmigration of the soul.

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Name: Shira Ben Arzi - Flom

Gender: Female Country: Israel

Poem: A Golden World

Look, child, towards a golden world in which you will hear birds singing a lullaby, not the shrill? voice of the sirens. A world in which children can hold hands and sing towards the new horizon, Their little hearts are not shaking with fear. Pray, my boy, pray for a world in which a man is only a human being, no label or color, where the heart whispers in a universal language. A world in which your breath will be whole, painless and the difference between us will become another shade of the rainbow. All of god's children, dear boy, will unite and vow for a better tomorrow. And the anguished heart will finally rest.

Bio: Shira (which means poetry in Hebrew), is a poet, an advocate and a mother of four children who cocreated the FLY project with her sister - Liron Ben arzi. FLY is designed to inspire and uplift those who read it by telling the stories of 49 inspiring characters who did the impossible and remind us that each one of us can do the same, face the Impossible.

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Name: Bavneet Kaur Beriana

Gender: Female Country: Canada

Poem: Violence has no place, Inequality is gone too, Race, colour and religion doesn’t matter, Humanity is all I see.

The young helping the older, The rich helping the poor, A country helping another, Makes me feel alive not only external even internal. The love of each person, The mindset of each person, The deeds of each person, Achieved to bring peace to this world.

Bio: I am 16 years old. My hobby is writing quotes and poetry. I love engaging with people and caring about the surroundings. Humanity is always what I implement in my life. My ambition is to be a doctor because I love to help others. Let’s bring inner and outer peace for the betterment of the society, country and world. 169

Name: Khem Raj Subba

Gender: Male Country: India

Poem: BEAUTIFUL WORLD If this world will be beautiful again where people will love the trees animals will out of the cage and we will be breathing fresh

And this world will live for about million years human may someday know their lesson how to behave with the living world on whom we are parasiting

Make this world a better place where destruction grows and pollution over population rose where trees have no place to grows

Khem Raj Subba copyright, this is my own poem written by myself.

Bio: I have completed my higher school, and I want to be a poet, writer, and motivational speaker. So, I am giving one shot for this title one of a lifetime 170

Name: Sheila Schofield Large

Gender: Female Country: France

Poem: And a song stirs in the silence - 1st July 1916 after Frederick Weatherly

Yesterday they were in fine voice. Rousing songs. Roses are shining in Picardy. Smile, smile, smile! The road had been hot and dusty. The corn high. Blood-red poppies nodding. Tonight they advance in silence, under a vast sky, bright with stars. Short miles away foreign boys also sing. As dawn breaks, a thick mist rises from The Somme. Folds itself around a million thin shoulders, whispering the truth of this mission. You are the ammunition. They stop. They turn. They march. The other way. The officers, bewildered, fire into the ochre fog, as it swirls around their confusion. Bereft of command, the pistol cracks cease. And a lark sings in the rose-tinted hush of peace.

Bio: A British poet living in France, Sheila's work has appeared in numerous anthologies and has been published by The Poetry Society. Her first chapbook, Thin Ice, was published by Mosaique 171

Ananya Mehrotra India 172

Name: Ananya Mehrotra

Gender: Female Country: India

Poem: As the glass shatters nearby, I call out to my son And teach the innocent kid about ‘B for Bomb’, The most recognized daily life example Just the way the teacher had enjoined us. His book has PEACE as the word for P but It is difficult to comprehend a dream. The ritual of grasping from the milieu Is surprisingly effective, although I still wish For him to retain the words he won’t see, Ever. This is as I believe, the only way left For us the keep the fire for our vision alive And finally see the fantasy turn to reality.

Bio: Hello! I am a 17-year-old Indian girl, full of wild thoughts which I love to channelize in poems or stories. I'm currently in grade 12 and will be graduating high school this year. My aim in life is to be a social activist along with being a writer.

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Name: Ravinder Johal

Gender: Female Country: England, UK

Poem: Title: Peace is a Dove

Peace is a dove, stirring in the morning, Shaking off her feathers to reveal a bright, silver coat.

Peace is a boy, who is 10 years old, Praying for his grandmother who is dying, who is old.

Peace is a whisper, from the unknown nether, To those who are mourning beyond despair, for hope.

Peace is a calling – a lifestyle, if you will: Something to remind us that there is someplace to go.

Bio: Ravinder Johal is an 18-year-old writer from the Midlands. She is currently a Sixth Form student, hoping to study English and Creative Writing at university, and she regularly writes non- fiction articles for her blog as well as poetry and short prose. Ravinder's writing focuses on a range of topics, including feminism, mental health and racial identity.

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Name: Shola Balogun

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: MANDELA Madiba, There are songs that inspire clenched teeth And a stampede of stamping feet And the chorus of lead, and what peace can gun keep In the regions of carnage? When you entered the silence Of the dungeon at Pretoria And your footsteps counted in limited steps Did you hear the echo? Of my ancestral songs Against the brick wall and beyond? Madiba, The songs from my homeland Still come with clenched teeth.

Bio: Shola Balogun studied Theatre Arts at the University of Ibadan. His work has appeared in international journals and anthologies, most recently in The Tau Literary and Visual Art Journal of Lourdes University, Sylvania, Ohio.

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Name: Regan Clancy

Gender: Female Country: Ireland

Poem: Title: Milliseconds Ahead of You.

Simplicity is overlooked. Appreciate the hidden smiles and secret glances. Live for those tiny moments where your hand brushes against theirs. Love that you can live a lifetime in a simple moment. Complicated offers a lot less.

The moral right of the author has been asserted. All rights reserved. This work is published subject to the condition that it shall not be reproduced or retransmitted in whole or in part, in any manner, without the written consent of the copyright holder, and any infringement of this is a violation of copyright law.

Bio: I'm a teenager heading off to university next year to study English, it's always been a passion of mine ever since my Mother started to read to me. I've since written hundreds of stories, started many novels I've yet to finish and currently my creativity has breached into poetry. Writing means a lot to me. I couldn't imagine the world without it.

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Name: Agunbiade Olatunbosun Joseph

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: PAST AND FUTURE, PEACE!

When law of guidance is ignored, Just to compensate for a loss, Flaws tend to be clearly nurtured, Then a Molehill becomes gross. Now sleeping Dogs don't lie, Singing Birds now even cry, Tit for tat and eye for an eye! These beings will make a Sea dry. Yearn for peace to uncease, But violence at peak never decrease, Shall it be called catastrophe! Rather a curse or disease.

Bio: Born on 19th of April, 1998, Currently studying Veterinary medicine (DVM) at University of Ilorin, Nigeria, Single, Poet. I love to read books centered on culture, tradition and African literature.

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Name: Alexis Forbes

Gender: Female Country: Canada

Poem: Final Whispers

My hands dawn blood, Hope lost as tears are shed. The final whispers an unheard symphony Of voices that beg for release. I can save you, Let me save you. The air thick with fumes And the screams unrelenting. They are my screams; Bellows of a lost sorrow, As I solely bring you back from what was. This existence toxic, unwarranted, And a finer tomorrow breathes, Beyond the final whisper.

Bio: Good evening! My name is Alexis Forbes and I am a Canadian-born writer who has been expressing my own thoughts and creativity through writing for the majority of my life. I write poetry, short fiction, and novels daily and have been lucky enough to have one of my poems published in my university's Arts Tribune. Thank you so much for the opportunity.

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Name: Debanjali Nag

Gender: Female Country: India

Poem: A World of dreams

How beautiful is the world? A gift of nature, Where the birds wake up with the sunrise, And the moon comes slowly, As the sun bids goodbye.

A blessing of God, For everyone here, I don't have much words, Happiness how to describe.

A beautiful world, full of surprises, surrounded by the oceans, green and blue sky.

We the mankind, forgets to thank the Lord, our Creator, 179

Bring in the peace forgetting hatred, We live for once, So let us enjoy our gift of life.

The aura of grace, Beautiful place, Mother nature, We are one, the creation of God.

Bio: A scribbler turned author, poet and aspiring script writer from India. Romantic novels do not motivate me but the nature and music connects with my soul and lets me see the other layer of our Universe and craft poems and stories.

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Name: Richard Hookway

Gender: Male Country: Thailand

Poem: Write the words in purple

Write the words in purple On paper that is pink, or green Then read And you will see more clearly what they mean No ivory white of pure history No watermarked, laid official blue No hard black ink of anger Or blue-black of a blended truth No citrus sour agenda No grey of shy uncertainty Or deckle-edge dictate of knowledge No wet-myth insecurity Just a purple bruise of what is real Upon pure innocence of nature’s field

Bio: I've been writing poetry since seeing Rod McKuen on Kid's TV in the early 70s. Since then they have been tools for self-preservation and they continue to keep me company. I've been a cartographer, computer artist, and now a teacher of English to kindergarten; another outlet for things that rhyme.

181

Name: Zariel Konadu

Gender: Male Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Birds of The Feather

Birds of the feather have no choice But to flock together. Let us gather! We, the people of peace! And let us: fly and fly high! In unison. With our necks lowered in modesty, All our feathers raised for tenacity, We are powering through the storm. Martyrs, for the cause. The ugly duckling shall hum; The white swan shall waddle. Their beaks will touch, And a reflection will be made. Symmetrical, like cosine. They flock, down the aisles of salvation.

Bio: In a world plunging into misery and destruction, virtue has seemed to have lost its meaning. In all this I wish to ignite the beacons of hope, to gather the people of peace that we may illuminate the world, searching and restoring our unity.

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Name: Khushbu Thakkar

Gender: Female Country: India

Poem: INNER PEACE My heart wonders, on turmoil and thunder Asks, where inner peace to achieve? In tranquility to relive or in joy to believe? That deep silence of mind, Is the peace I find? The peaceful rumble of waves crashing on rock I forgot to check time on my clock Old Bridge soothes pain, is interim peace I gain Warm ray’s solaces eyes, helps forget all I cried Blue Ocean, golden fish, helps fill dish of peace The sunset over the clouds, makes me feel proud On remembering life's high and low, I wished time to be slow This winter night was full of surprise Cold but calm, inner peace to comprise . Bio: Khushbu Thakkar is an Indian writer, who's also passionate about fiction literature and poetry, along with engineering. She has been writing since her childhood and now writing has become an integral part of her life. From writing essays in school to publishing her own blogs, her writing journey has been an exciting and fulfilling. Publishing her work was something in her bucket list, which she has already ticked off at very young age. Getting great feedback and reviews for her stories and poetries has persuaded her to keep on writing and aim for further success in this field. 183

Adetunji Joshua Iyanuoluwa Nigeria 184

Name: Adetunji Joshua Iyanuoluwa

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: It seems we've forgotten The happenings yesterday had begotten Coming tomorrow seems forsaken For little ones refuse to grow into teen

Ignorantly we all clamour for war Which was planned to jeopardize our future So because we neglected the Rule Of Law We are bound to die in awe

But now, we're ready to stop the beat The beat that awakens the beast For our tomorrow to be in a setter of pace Let's all chant the praise of peace

Bio: I'm a journalist in the making who is addicted to literature. A certified National Diploma certificate.

185

Name: Randy Mazie

Gender: Male Country: United States

Poem: There are no feminists in my garden

No jihadists, no special op’s No raging daffodils No pesticides on crops No flinging of mutated seeds No protests nor Farm Aid No evil deeds nor gay parade No civil rights leader’s shot No marching armies, no pounding beats No pointed missiles No one hides beneath white sheets No smoking guns, no half crazed minds Only rich black soil which binds us in this garden where we grow and rest, and play, and hoe

Bio: Randy Mazie lives in the North Georgia Mountains. His poetry has been featured in The Fredericksburg Literary and Art Review, Silhouette Press/Here Comes Everyone, YourDailyPoem.com and in the Anthology of Transcendent Poetry, Cosmographia Books, 2019. He occasionally blogs at: www.thewritersvillage.wordpress.com.

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Name: Tania Trujillo

Gender: Non-Binary Country: Mexico

Poem: "wonders and chaos and pain"

We grow in the wonders, Become adults in the chaos And survive in the pain, Pain and death that is. Oh, the numbness hurts, It festers within each of us, Whispers violence and Speaks through death. Is it not us, who love? Is it not us, who want to live? Is it not us, who die? It is time to return, To listen to the prayers of the living And aim not for death, but life.

Bio: Just a young adult, who enjoys expressing themselves through the written word. I am someone who is enjoying life and wants to make a positive difference, one way or another.

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Name: Lee Franks

Gender: Male Country: United Kingdom

Poem: War Child

Motherless child on war torn streets, No shoes to wear no food to eat

Shrapnel wounds from bullets fired, Family lost to bombs live wired

Many a year does he cry, Forced to watch his Father die

He awaits the day when gunfire ceases, What was once his home is now in pieces

A peaceful plea lay down your arms and stop the unrelenting harm

Bio: I have been writing poetry for 26 years and write on a number of themes in various styles. I'm a big supporter of world peace and am working on a poetry collection. I love people.

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Name: Madison Hoffman

Gender: Female Country: United States

Poem: Goodnight, I say. When the sun goes down, you’ll be right here in my arms. Bless the day you no longer need my arms to keep you company. I am but a butterfly, in need of my own wings. At the age of eight, I asked, mother, tell me what to do? The soft tender care of a mother can be all my sky needs not to feel so blue. But at the age of nine, I pondered, where are the stars, father? You said once I had my wings I could be free to find them. Reach for them. Now that I’m older, I see it was all a dream. Look, there’s the second star to the right. Know what’s there? I was told it’s neverland. A place of wondrous dreams where you can stay young and be whoever you want to be. It’s all but a fantasy. Because a star doesn’t make you who you are. Nor do people. So at the age of ten, I was finally double digits. Becoming a big girl is very important, according to my has-been parents. My sun didn’t come up until almost an entire decade later. I’m looking at her now. Beautiful, independent, but above all, the most loyal. She has her own wings, even if no one else will see them. They spread out as wide as the sea, and are as long as the waterfalls in which they please. Bless the day I will be the one to keep you company. Bio: Madison Grace Hoffman 189

Title: Age of Time Name: Charlize Hanslo

Gender: female Country: South Africa

Poem: You are forever sad When you are fighting your war Let's rather be happy

Charlize Hanslo

Bio: Grade 3 teacher

190

Name: Jessica Lina Larue

Gender: Female Country: Seychelles

Poem: Hope

Is the sound still ringing? The sharp ricochet of bullets, of murky skies and the heavy smells of blood; the shuffling feet of trespassers, a noise from the floorboards beneath their feet, the twilight of dusk their last memory.

There is a beautiful house that I see in my dreams full with gaping holes, spiders and cobwebs, vintage oak chairs, vines of bright shamrock twisting in every crook and cranny. I touch the cusps of used rooms, the small linger of life forever beating in a faint harmony.

Bio: Jessica Larue hails from the cluster of beautiful Seychelles islands, pursuing science in college and hoping to study medicine in university after graduating. Her passion for writing can be traced back to the early days of high school where she whipped up essays and short stories for English class. Outside of school she's a reading and yoga enthusiast who has many plans for the future. 191

Name: Shikshita Juyal

Gender: Female Country: India

Poem: Is the world expanding? Why else would everything feel so far away.

Is the world falling apart? Why else would it feel so broken inside?

Is this another world? Why else would I feel that I don't belong here?

Or is this a realization? That everything that stirs me keeps me alive. That peace in itself is nothing, But to find calmness within yourself in the inevitable storm

Bio: I am a 20-year-old simple homosapien in quest for something enigmatic, in quest to create a dynasty with my name printed on it. As boring as it sounds as vivid my imagination is. The zest here is to try and reflect it through my writings.

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Name: Manisha Tuteja

Gender: Female Country: India

Poem: Ordering the Peace I order peace today to come and save the world, For only Thunberg’s eyes can see the gravity of climate adversity. I order peace today to come and save the world, For my son is a queer but his love has turned into fear. I order peace today to come and save the world, For the freedom is in shackles and nobody knows how to tackle. I order peace today to come and save the world, For the irreligious religion is playing the evil game of communalism. I order peace today to come and save the world, For the history is repeating and the holocaust is hitting. I order peace today to come and save the world, For I don’t know how to request and how to order is what I have read. I order peace today to come and save the world, Otherwise the sword in my hand will cut you into pieces my dear peace. By- Manisha Tuteja

Bio: I am Manisha Tuteja pursuing her English Honours Undergraduate degree in Christ University, Bangalore, India. I am a 19 years old enthusiast of politics and world issues. I am fond of reading, writing and public speaking. I would love to pursue writing as a career. I find poems as the most beautiful and artistic way to express one's emotions hence, i write poems extensively. I like trying out new things and the poem i submitted is one of my experiments. 193

Ginevra Colombetti Italy

194

Name: Ginevra Colombetti

Gender: Female Country: Italy

Poem: The Unbearable Absence of Peace

As beautiful as she ever could have been the heavy mist of her presence promised stability. She was invisible as if she were a star on a winter night yet she was needed.

Madness is foolish to simple eyes, however, it is only then that we can appreciate the way of her incomprehensible actions and how it is indeed all perfectly aligned

She waits for action. Our action. Our ability to compromise.

Ginevra Colombetti

Bio: I am Ginevra Colombetti, born and raised in Milan, Italy. I am 16 years old and my passion for writing is what has inspired me for years. It is in fact what led me to this competition, as I am an advocate of universal peace, justice and equality. I hope that my poetry and writing have a meaningful impact on those who read it. 195

Name: Madison Stephens Gender: Female Country: UK

Poem: Freedom free from mode, free do Rome, from mere form, feed me more. feed me more, fed for free, foe feed me, feed me more. feed me more, deem ‘em free, defer free fee, feed me more. feed me more, fed from Om freed from ‘em, feed me more, for me freedom.

Bio: Madison is a graduate from Leeds Beckett University. Her poems are awkward, political and crassly honest, and you can usually find her reading them aloud at open mic poetry nights around Leeds. 196

Name: Deborah Emery

Gender: Female Country: England

Poem: Peace for All, and All for Peace

Peace: noun (No Violence) Guns and Knives we should silence. Turn off the media! News, negative surround us.

No fueling fires of the reason for death. Turn the negatives into positives. Let all not fear to tread.

Listen to the harmony! Birds in the trees do sing. Hear the water lapping gently. Be still and watch fish swim. Nature nurture conflict, put us at ease. In world hail and thunder all can find true peace!

Bio: I am aspiring to become a published writer in conjunction with wood crafting. I live on a narrow boat with my partner, Stuart, our pet dog, Angel and cat, Luna. The state of our world abhors me and I find inspiration in the nature around me. 197

Name: Ifeoluwa Philips

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: Awake oh sleeping peace!

Sleeping dove’ Awake from your grave! Oh I mean, from your deep sleeping, Snore no more oh sleeping pigeon, Awake from your deep snoring. Open wide your sights, And see the drying sea. See also a crying cloud- Shedding tears on the nature' As spear can't spare the decaying soul. Ocean is drying and no rain, Lands felt crack and walls weak, As why we war, null, even to our hearts, Awake oh sleeping peace! Ifeoluwa Philips

Bio: Ifeoluwa Philips; I was born in January 23 1996, 198

Am a young, gentleman. Am an aspirant of University of Ibadan. Am a young writer and a poet. Writing is my hubby. I love participating in peace and development of my society even with my write -ups.

199

Name: Eulalie Tangka

Gender: Female Country: UK

Poem: Violence. By Ares, there was violence in the air, Where the dust had not settled and it spun there. He took form and stared me in the eyes as I fell to my knees and cried to red skies. I cried "Violence?" Violence took me by the arm and gifted me rage. Rage sat around my neck like a garnet And on a throne I sat alone. Rage. By Zeus, there was rage in my hair, It shone red like garnets in a crown and around my neck it sat there. Rage supported me with Violence but nothing it did give. I sobbed "Violence?" Violence stood in the corner. Dark, and alone. And the garnets on my neck we’re nothing but stone The skies that were red, started to bleed, And my faith in Violence began to concede. 200

Peace As I lay dying, from a blackened heart, And my faith in Violence was due to depart, A light shone from the end of the room, And voice emerged with a deepening boom. "Hark" it said and my heart healed "The sky is blue" and the stones fell away "No more shall you bleed" and my skin repaired "In Violence, all are slaves and all shall kneel" Peace came in the light and she came in the dark. She came to tear away the pain. My heart was new and it was true. For a long time, she's been playing this game. The water was still, the sky was blue and the trees were undisturbed. I breathed a breath of one who lived in a world of peace anew.

Bio: Third Year Law Student West African Ethnic British National A Scorpio, although the stars are silent I say I can speak French, but can I?

201

Name: Joslin Elsa Jojen

Gender: female Country: India

Poem: Within you blooms, which let you gloom. souls stay strong, wakes you from wrong. wounds within roar, live happily more. care for mere loss, fight for rare moss.

Bio: I am Joslin of age seventeen. I am born on 31 July 2002. Presently studying in India in the state of Kerala. I like writing poems.

202

Name: Honey Azh

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: My evolution, Peace.

My need to feel human in curled selfless ways, gradually My head takes a rising, I’m proud. My Hands are an art of giving and receiving, righteously free. My feet 27 young old and here, a walking question mark through time. “May I” walk on your oneness, concrete ground? so grey, so British. so elegant. My hair from a neat confession of a bun to free flowing and traveler glowing. My neck, sincere grace. My eyes and lashes, gratitude at its finest, peaceful evolution. And then here is my voice, music to myself, subtle syllabuses that sing my souls yearnings and earnings into existence. A gentle cry for a reassuring hand or face. My evolution, my time, my space.

Bio: Persian by Origin, 27, female and raised in London. Things that ignite my passion, Travel, food, art, music, singing, voice, proverbs, writing, reading, history, service, earth and the universe, psychology, self-love, acceptance and development/growth.

203

Name: Abdulrahman Soliu Adigun

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: Theme: Peace Topic: For the sake of peace

Chained were our warriors Clothed with the chain mail Looking like a hog as they want to eat the flesh and crush men bones. 'Eager' were their swords motto, Calling for distributive of our values. Each time their sword sings Their theme always on a red sea, Their songs lyrics writes about satisfaction of their swords quench by the fuel in men's body. For the sake of peace, We ask these warriors to mourn separation of their swords with them.

Bio: I'm Abdulrahman Soliu A. Sobriquet as The Truth seeker. I was hailed in a town called Oyo Alaafin. I'm a writer and a poet whose my pen's voice has made the people dance away their sorrow that might perch in the tent of their heart. 204

Name: Ezekiel Onoja Udedojo

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: AFRICAN CHILDREN

I stay in awe as I watch them play, So free to do whatever they say, Happy for simply being alive, With no big goals to reach or strive.

Round and round, in circles they run, As if it's the first time they are having fun. I wish I could go back time.

They don't keep grudges i wonder, When then will hear our voices without laughter, Never beat the child to hell.

Bio: My name is Onoja Ezekiel Udedojo, am from Kogi state in Nigeria, I finished from the prestigious St kizito minor seminary Idah, now into the vocation of the priesthood in the major seminary.

205

Name: Alyssa Stoller

Gender: Female Country: United States

Poem: I can’t imagine what it must have looked like Before the dove hid away The plenty and the beauty Harmony not a concept - But a way of being Can you picture it? It must have felt safe before the storm came - Now it huddles inside for warmth, pressed against a corner The sky cold and dark, although the sun is still there Hoping, waiting, to pierce through the clouds Will we remember? Will we see? The morning dew begin to rise The dove’s feathers begin to dry To soar above once again

Bio: Alyssa grew up in California and has had a strong passion for science and the arts since she was young. She has always felt the strongest passion for whales, and has been studying mainly humpback whales for the past six years. Alyssa hopes through a combination of different outlets she can bring raise awareness for the planet.

206

Name: Rachel Burns

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: The Gale

You lie in your bed, wide awake restless early hours, as sand and stone spray the house in a rattle of gunfire. The gale lifts the foundations and hoists the rafters like a sail. All night the storm rages, stampeding beyond the house through patchwork fields of corn and wheat. You will for the storm to pass so you can haul yourself out of bed to survey the damage outside, you might see the constellation of stars poking through the night sky. You might see white gulls bent like metal bars to the wind. You might see nothing at all.

Bio: Rachel Burns is published in Crannog, Poetry Salzburg Review, Ink, Sweat & Tears and as above So Below. She was placed in poetry competitions Keats-Shelley Poetry Prize 2017, Primers Four and BBC Poetry Proms Competition 2019. She has a poetry pamphlet published with Vane Women Press, 'a girl in a blue dress'. 207

Name: Anayo-Enechukwu Tochukwu

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: Accord greeted by hoodlums, well saluted by miscreants state of emergency declared, place of urgency prepared fallout of Aburi settlement made us running like servants awakened by gunshots with our eyes looking impaired. international relations despaired, famine interned and destruction surfaced until the five letters word “peace” agreement was upheld then our foreign policy was unveiled, tolerance prevailed harmony birthed, rule of law beheld. ;p collaboration with other tribes, societal progress it planted networking with foreign countries, technological development it harvested in peaceful accord and unity does my country flourish our land does tourists cherish.

Bio: I am a versatile law student from Enugu state, Nigeria aged eighteen. in 2019, my debut year in poetry, I have written a total of six poems, two of which has been published in two top Nigerian magazine this year; titled "the world we live" and "pulchritude" respectively.

208

Jamie Martin United Kingdom 209

Name: Jamie Martin

Gender: Male Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Brexit means breakfast Soft Persian whispers float like bubbles in the empty air- she can’t help but adore the lull of her own voice, this calming, familiar flow like the tide coming in to greet a friend here, in the middle of this too-strange, too-bright English kitchen. Council houses block the endless ocean from her sight like Border Guards: are her family out there? Their fates remain unknown, like a worn rag-doll ship on fretful, stormy seas (Tier 5 for her). Alone, she tries not to think about this. Those thoughts lie unseen, unkempt, growing hair and fangs in a cell of the mind- solitary confinement (a punishment?) for the both of them. Nearby, an English couple spread their toast with Marmite and a contempt-filled glance (Brexit means Brexit); she spreads hers with Mother’s recipe jam, and shaking hands. They eat English marmite. She eats Iranian jam. Each swallows their load in silence.

Bio: I am a 16-year-old male poet from the United Kingdom- England. This poem is about xenophobia, and how I feel that the human race should unite and accept each other peacefully, rather than tear each other apart. I believe Brexit has harmed peace and social cohesion a lot, which is reflected in this poem. 210

Name: Chandrama Deshmukh

Gender: Female Country: India

Poem: Flowering is our inherent nature We are born with the ability to love uncontrollably Our skin knows the language of melodies and magic The conversations. Soundless. Spiritual. Only if we halt and hear. Our bodies are made of bliss that we relentlessly seek in unidentifiable spaces Running directionless. Blinded by what could be. When all that matters are, what we are. Kindness Is a cosmic calling that connects us when reasons fail, egos thaw and all that remains are a compassionate core. When everything falls apart we shall bloom Because, flowering is our inherent nature.

Bio: Chandrama Deshmukh is a writer by profession and a poet by passion. She has authored three books of poems. A storyteller of sorts, the moon is her muse. Poetry for Chandrama is that one streak of silver lining amidst the chaos of life. Being an avid reader, playwright and performer, she believes nothing touches her soul the way poetry does.

211

Name: Caylyn Sheldon

Gender: Female Country: United States

Poem: "Slow Burn"

I had always thought when we hit dead-end that we'd explode, like a Langston dream. But our flames deferred, simmered into coals with still heartbeats, fading from red embers to white, black, grey. dead Nothings. Nothings.

Bio: Caylyn Sheldon is a Museum Curator from Central Oregon who has always been inspired by the power of words. Her previous publications include various fiction and non-fiction short stories and she's currently writing a variety of historical fiction novels.

212

Francis Phillips United Kingdom

213

Name: Francis Phillips

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: How does an ancient fable still compel our fearful guarded hearts to lay down arms, as if responding to a magic spell, one that with ease and gentleness disarms the anger and defensiveness that make us fight and stubbornly reject a plea for peace because we think that we are in the right: how can such endless warfare come to cease? Only a baby lying on bed of straw an infant, far off, sleeping in a manger; a scene that simply asks us to adore, to kneel, to reverence and not endanger. This tiny helpless child we must defend, for only then comes peace that has no end.

Bio: F A M Phillips aged 74; widowed. Mother, sister, daughter, friend

214

Name: Samihah Sakkaf Gender: Female Country: Sri Lanka

Poem: Helpless was I

I should have known when the elderflowers failed to bloom, Blind was I, dancing in Plato's Cave. Then there came the day. The cosmic disarray nor the wolves howls Rang bells to me. For had they, Church bells I would have clanged With my bare hands And salvaged many a white Lily From withering away. But helpless was I.... Shell- shocked and deafened by the screams of churchgoers, Spectres of sordid morgues sprawled on our screens, We clutched onto our heartstrings lest they should tear away, 215

Silently praying it should not be... Violently denying it could not be. But helpless was I..... Brood tucked to my bosom Eyes shut from horrors unfolding I witness a mother Rummaging for the remains of her relatives Thereby the heart disintegrates into shards of glass No morsel of food would enter that throat The mind entrapped by a darkened lair Groping for answers Distorted was I by the Datura flower For helpless was I...

Minutes streaked, days sped and months flew by, Determined was I to help that mother But a mother she was not, Nor a wife, nor a daughter, Not even a soul But a body of clouds wandering in the skies. I press an envelope of money into her cold hand 216

She declines, she resists, “take it away,” she insists. “For Christmas” I respond, “Christmas will never be the same,” she whimpers, “Sorry” I say, “What for?” her voice trails off.... I turn away For helpless was I.

Bio: I am teacher of Speech and Drama. I dedicate this poem to those who lost their loved ones due to the Easter Bombings in my country on 21/4/2019. The blood curdling act was carried out by a few mentally disturbed people from my community... I vehemently condemn such atrocities and pray that people resort to peace at least after reading this poem.

217

Name: L. B. Mek

Gender: Male Country: GBR

Poem: misery's Uncertainty

Are we waning or just surrendering, is this hollowness or just readiness, shall trepidation oppress or momentarily suppress?

Dare we doubt and have hope sprout... Bio: Dear Sir or Madam,

I am an unpublished novelist, who enjoys writing poetry; I write under the pseudonym: L. B. Mek, feel free to refer to me as ‘Mek’ if/when you wish to discuss my submission further.

Wishing you continued success,

L. B. Mek

218

Name: Abiodun Olajuwon

Gender: male Country: Nigeria

Poem: ISIS FOR PEACE

Let us redefine the state of nature Understanding that we are all same creature I might be black but i am no beast And because you are white that does not make you my feast Let us trade away our hate for peace Maybe then we can make it in one piece I am prepared be an ISIS for peace Erasing all existing racists

ABIODUN OLAJUWON

Bio: I love writing music is an indispensable part of me political scientist in the making extrovert ambassador for peace model Name: 219

Olaf Sango

Gender: male Country: United Kingdom

Poem: They say, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” But with such a shallow objective, such a relationship is bound to end.

Smiling in your face, then laughing behind your back. Stabbing you when you’re most vulnerable, Untrustworthy. As Brutus was to Cesar. The word manipulation written all over their eyes The acts of liars could not be clearer.

Vindictive, superficial acts of revenge is something I cannot comprehend –

Where is the middle ground? the space to make amends?

Bio: I was curious of what, "The enemy of my enemy is my friend." meant. I felt that this statement was hollow and was no way to interact with another human. I feel that it is necessary for people, no matter their beliefs, to find a constructive commonality between each to build something greater than their individual assets. 220

Name: D.M Navoda Dissanayake

Gender: Female Country: Srilanka

Poem: PEACE

The world is not peaceful May it be calm soon? Love thy neighbor to the fullest And help create world peace No war without an enemy Nothing to fight for Working together for thy common good Allowing our disparities to be understood Uniting in love and care Share the planet with everyone. With every new day dawning My only vow to live every moment in Peace Let there begin peace on earth Let it start with me.

Bio: I was born on 1st of November 1995 Currently I an undergraduate studying Tourism Management. My hobbies include writing articles, reading novels I hope to pursue my career as a writer, a blogger. My parents are my driving force. 221

Trinity Robinson United Kingdom 222

Name: Trinity Robinson

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: I know a place, Where flowers grow through cracks in the concrete And birds must compete with the planes Where the sun rises above great buildings And sinks below smoke and flames. At night, a graveyard of stars is hidden When the lights refuse to cease And we are all addicted to the fantasy That our pain will be replaced by peace. So let us run away together and be wild and free Let our souls be scattered by the wind And our thoughts be open-minded So that we may make everything beautiful.

Bio: Trinity Robinson was born in 2002 and has been writing since she was a child. Currently, she is a student at Durham Sixth Form Centre and is working hard to get her work seen by the community. In 2018 she was published in Between These Shores Literary and Arts Annual and in 2019 she won Foyles Young Poets of the Year Award.

223

Name: Akinlabi Ololade Ige

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: TO GOD BE THE GLORY, TO GUN BE THE GLORY

Nothing is so precious than living and for the body to find rest without the fear of bomb, without wails holding the atmosphere to ransom or the khaki men trampling on the hungry soil. no simple adjective qualifies a war better. a war is a music that no one gets right its dancing step, not even it architects or the chanters blaring its drums. a war is an encumbered grief not a mirth. it ends at its inception; where the fire is set out. my father says: a sane man prays for peace, in war to gun be the glory. in peace to God be the glory. Ololade Akinlabi Ige

Bio: Ololade Akinlabi Ige is a young Nigerian poet, a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University. He was a nominee for Nigeria Writers Award 2017 and won the last edition of Ken Egba Poetry prize organized by Poet in Nigeria in 2018.

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Name: Kehinde Samuel

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: Peace it's worth we all crave the world stands strong after all its faced countries still defer in reasoning nuclear weapons making the earth bleed

But peace still comes after days gone bad weeks become sad, months become hard I hope we sit down and realize we need this peace to keep our world afloat to keep your families out of danger to know in our souls, we are doing our best

I hope we sit down and realise we need this peace for future generations It calls out for a unified world A peace to fill darkness void

Bio: I'm Kehinde Samuel I'm Eighteen An undergraduate, I write poems because it the only place where I can freely express myself and find equilibrium 225

Name: Michael Brigden

Gender: Male Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Connection.

I feel the earth between my toes, There's something that between us flows, A connection made with ancient things, The peace of mind connection brings, Tranquility in something small, But something that can stand us tall, A feeling of the dawn of man, And in this feeling understand, That we are part of something huge, That something is a true refuge, I feel the earth between my toes, There's something that between us flows.

Bio: Michael Brigden is a passionate writer best known under his penname 'The Ordinary Poet'. His poems can be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Michael is an incurable romantic and this is reflected in a lot of his work.

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Name: Mohamed Khalid

Gender: Male Country: Sri Lanka

Poem: A dark hand touching a light hand, a young face looking into an old, all people working together, for a goal to be told. A stranger and stranger together, a foe and foe are now friends, all people helping each other, Making beginnings meet ends. A shout comes out from the open, like a footstep falling on sand, all people together proclaim, ''Now there is peace in this land!''

Bio: I am student of Chartered Institute of Management Accounts. I am 21 years old. If I won, this competition please transfer the cash prize to my account. I certify that This is my own product. Thank You!

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Name: Mindy Yang

Gender: Female Country: Canada

Poem: I held the embers of a million dying stars, Each once ablaze and bright with passion. They have seen war and fiery rage, Where one by one the comrades fall. They have heard songs of love and pain, With diamond tears and hearts of glass. They never knew rest, never knew peace. To these torment souls I call to slumber, For I am the blissful night, And peace is all I offer.

Bio: I am an undergraduate student majoring in Biological Sciences. I am a huge fan of superheroes! In particular, I love the X-men series the most. In my free time, I enjoy baking, embroidery, and reading manga. My favourite authors are Kohei Horikoshi and Yusuke Murata. I also love hiking with my family on the weekends.

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Name: Amoafowaa Sefa Cecilia

Gender: Female Country: Ghana

Poem: PIECES OF PEACE We live in many a bit ...which require pieces of peace ...to fit So let the colours merge to fit ...the songs of harmony Let the races embrace without traces of bruises Let humanity form a bond greater ...than vanity Let the trumpets of love glue our pieces ...of peace To form a world of beautiful differences ...which tower in empowering A world of beautiful differences ...which all will fit in.

Bio: Amoafowaa Sefa Cecilia is a Ghanaian high school teacher in Tamale Senior High School, Ghana, West Africa. She is a versatile writer who blogs on www.amoafowaa.com. She loves the idea of inclusion and peace and hopes her art will work towards a world where every voice counts. 229

Name: Safa Sharif

Gender: Female Country: Canada

Poem: Put down your weapons; sit, talk instead and listen. Understanding our differences; not easy to do.

Don’t hit, instead embrace; kiss rather than spit. Love is harder than hate, but stronger too.

Make things right and forgive, let it all go. One life to make it right.

Don’t waste it with fighting; one change begins it all.

Bio: 26-year-old Bachelor of Arts in English graduate with Library Information Technology Degree.Grew up in Alberta and have resided in Calgary since 2011. Mother of 2 little children. 230

Name: Stephanie Rose Sullivan

Gender: Female Country: England

Poem: A poem I’ve written about Christmas Christmas. A beautiful time where we all come together, but for many others it’s a lonely December. The cold winter nights start rolling in, the frost in the air cuts under your skin. The darkened nights make the days feel longer, the homeless man seeks warmth & shelter. Everyone getting ready to prepare, for the family festivities & fun everywhere. You run around getting yourself worked up the stress & the pressure so you end up half cut. wake up Christmas eve your heads still banging, drank way too much last night, your cards took a hammering. Asking yourself was it really worth it, could’ve spent my money on something that really serves a purpose. We get ourselves so wrapped up in materialistic things, We forget the real importance & meaning deep within. Why do we spend so much time trying to please others, they wouldn’t think of helping twice rather leave you in the gutter? You walk on by that homeless man like it doesn’t matter, what happened to humanity? we rather watch them suffer. So when your surrounded by all your loved ones on this special day please remember the less fortunate who can’t be here today

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Bio: My name is Stephanie. I have 3 children. I am 31 years old. I only started writing poetry on 19.12.19 & have discovered I have a Complete passion for it. I hope you enjoy my poetry. I like to write from the heart so other people can relate.

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Name: Ogu Oluchi

Gender: Female Country: Nigeria

Poem: A WAR FOR PEACE I once lived in a city An island of tranquility, A land of peace... Today I tell this story, Today we define our fate Buried on these sands. We see the visions of the past And of the future, Echoes of ruin,the wages of sin. Robbed of the parts that feel, Armed with hope and a will, We wage a war for peace, For we have dared to seek We have dared to dream...

Bio: I am a 400-year level microbiology student in University of Abuja Nigeria. l am 20 years, born August 3rd 1999.l love writing stories and poems for fun even though l am yet to publish any.

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Mette Maunula Finland

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Name: Mette Maunula

Gender: Female Country: Finland

Poem: The absence of violence, Maybe it’s not all it seems, Peace might be in my hands, I just don’t know how to use it.

Does peace make this world a better place? It fills my heart, that’s what it does.

Have you heard of peace? You need to understand, Please take it into your hand; Touch it, feel it, hold it to make any sense of it. Do you now understand?

Bio: I am a passionate writer from a young age. Writing works a lot of the time as my coping mechanism and it makes me think. Right now I try to write as much as I can when I have time from school, but maybe one day I would hope to do this even more. I wish to polish my writing even more and will not give up before I am happy with it.

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Name: Fatimah Zahra Nasir

Gender: Female Country: Pakistan

Poem: Pacts of serenity made Enough solace that their minds Accepted their state and space Continuing down that path Everything settled in place.

Bio: I'm a seventeen-year-old who finds it very hard to define myself as I believe I comprise of every antonym and synonym of words which attribute to my personality. You'll also find me coping life with laughter and guidance.

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Name: Aqsa Shazad

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Look into the sky; I see stars, flickering, fluttering in a tranquil beat. Look into our eyes; I see stars, a thousand souls, one night.

We hold sparks at our fingertips, divine explosions of stardust beneath our flesh and bone, dancing fires; rays of wonder, connected by constellations as we chase the same light.

Our peace is not written in the stars, it is written within us.

Bio: I’m 16, a student and love writing. It helps me connect with my emotions and self. Unlike the stars, I believe that we don’t have to reach for peace. It is already within our grasp — we just have to learn to water it, like a seed, so it may blossom.

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Name: Zhi Chin Lee

Gender: female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: they say sword and guns have no eyes, well, are you as blind as them? they say animals fight for survival what do you fight for? frame, honour, wealth or justice? saint or sinner, young or old, rich or poor our graves the same for death is as blind as love is it strength to fight or forgive and forget? for all blood still bleed red let’s all lift each other up for that is true strength centuries of wars, crimes and hate only when we learn to love would we be at peace

Zhi C Lee

Bio: A student at university currently studying finance. I enjoy reading and writing, especially in the genre of fantasy. Currently, 19 years old. I also enjoy watching Chinese wuxia drama and paranormal, romance, historical drama like Reign, The vampire diaries, The originals, and The chilling adventures of Sabrina. 238

Name: Inese Berezovska

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Your Love

Your Love, helps me to fight my insecurities- even though, it could be my main obscurity.

Your Love, teaches me to see the good in me- even though, it could bring out the worst in me.

Your Love, is my only shoulder to lean on- even though, that shoulder gets tired too.

Your Love, is the reason for me to carry on- even though, it could stop me from doing more.

Your Love: is my biggest, best, well-kept secret of all- even though, it gives itself away without me knowing.

My dear co-human: your Love outweighs any kind of crudity; it plants a seed in my heart and grows our unity. 239

Inese Berezovska

Bio: Inese is a Latvian national who has been living in UK for 9 years Started attending Boston College, Lincolnshire in 2009 Graduated from Boston College with an HNC diploma in Business In 2017, graduated with a degree in Marketing from Nottingham Trent University Currently an employee at international IT company Writing is her hobby and she believes that poetry as a genre is immortal

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Name: David Adejumo

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: TITLE: PEACE BE STILL

The world without peace is a massive edifice, striding to its own damnation.

Peace oh! peace! Where have you gone? When I look all around me, I see brothers and sisters of a common humanity, Fighting and vilifying each other, like we are cold-blooded savages. Oh mankind! When did we lose our sanity?

Peace is divine and eternal; it comes from above. Peace without love is no peace at all God is love and peace - Oh humanity! Just be still and let God rule...

Bio: David Adejumo is a Nigerian born Poet, who currently resides in Accra Ghana. He is a Missionary, Writer and gifted in many areas. His poems have been published on: Tuck magazine, Spills word press, Sach ki dastak Hindu magazine and many more.

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Yuliia Vereta Ukraine 242

Name: Yuliia Vereta

Gender: Female Country: Ukraine

Poem: To the sons of their motherland People sacrificing their lives For the sake of rulers’ ambitions Will never get a pay back from their countries, Neither will their kids. Their voices will only be heard by willow trees, Slumbering over their gravestones, Slightly touched by the cool wind That will wake up the flag over it. The flag that will remind people passing by About the great sacrifice made by someone Buried on that piece of land, Pierced with a flagpole and mighty words ‘To beloved husband, father and son. To the brave son of his motherland’.

Bio: Yuliia Vereta is a writer from Ukraine, who writes to comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable. Her other works were published in 2019 in Litro Magazine (UK), Genre: urban arts (USA), Penultimate Peanut Magazine (USA), the Valley Voices (USA) and the McGuffin (USA). She has received the 2018 City of Rockingham Short Story Award (Australia) and became the finalist in 2019 Poetry Matters Project (USA) as well as 2019 Hessler Poetry Contest (USA). 243

Name: Templeton Moss

Gender: Male Country: United States

Poem: a heartfelt plea from the spider who has taken up residence in the corner of your bedroom: A Sonnet

I see no reason why there has to be An altercation between you and I. This little corner’s quite enough for me To make my web to catch an errant fly. And, furthermore, it seems, to me, quite clear That there is room enough for us to share. So, if you do not bother me up here, Then I swear I won’t bother you down there. But, though I do not mean you any harm, And mean to keep, from you, quite far away, The way you look at me gives me alarm That I may well have seen my final day. Can you and I exist in harmony? I guess we’ll both just have to wait and see.

Bio: Templeton is an okay guy who lives and writes in Louisville, Kentucky, though he usually gives his hometown as Disneyland. He is an award-winning author whose poems have been published in the US and Ireland. His hobbies include pizza and napping.

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Name: Prarthana Banikya

Gender: Female Country: India

Poem: Long After

Long after the roar of tanks cleared the air, there was a furor in my mind of cries that woke sleeping dogs on the pavement. Long after the gun fires ceased, there was the sound of women’s shuffling feet searching for children amidst clouds of smoke. As images flickered in my mind, I watched my little girl play amidst wildflowers on patches of green grass I once capered on. So I walk out in the sun and kneel by her side. In her eyes – deep wells of hope, I find promise in the future I was once weary of. In the warmth of her palms, I find tenderness and peace, and realize, I am finally home.

Bio: Prarthana Banikya has a deep-rooted love for words and images and spends most of her time writing, daydreaming and wandering the streets of Bangalore taking photographs. Prarthana spent her formative years in the valleys of Northeastern India from where she draws inspiration for most of her writing.

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Name: Sangay Norbu

Gender: Male Country: Bhutan

Poem: I want white Poppy

Everywhere painted with red ink And hear the sound of thunder Thick cumulus cloud over the land During that moment, i started my life My environ is shangri-la what i think But i came to know, it is hell I want harmony and freedom People with kind and utopia to live Someone with white ink art exhibition Glad to see the Dove with olive branch And thirst for salaam going to ceased And we will have bunch of white poppy

Bio: Name: Sangay Norbu. D.O.B: 07 December 1994 Education: Royal University of Bhutan (samtse college of education (Teacher college)).

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Name: Emereonye Harry Azubuike

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: "The Call of Peace."

I gave your hands to hunt, legs to mount; The unicorn and the beaver, not upon each other. For strength prevail, and unity much more avail; When you strike one chord but thy doom in discord. O my children! My poor children! today I call you, To my bedside; with a song from the riverside. Come, clad in peace, your prayer of vengeance, Your cry of despair, and curses I'll not hear. On hate where you lie, you decide who lives or die And claim to stand for peace of all? By morning you give your bodies weapons for war. On flowers battles won, the butterflies are gone. I many times hope you pray for peace among nations And find it in strength not in face of death.

Bio: Emereonye-vehn Harry Jr Azubuike was born on the 8th August, 1992 in Lagos State Nigeria. Hail from umuokpara Autonomous Community, Okwudor, Njaba LGA, Imo State.

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Name: Doriel Darbyshire

Gender: Female Country: United States

Poem: There is struggle we all must face Of how to keep peace in this dismal place It’s heavenly lure of happiness abound Is often quieted, not making a sound We turn to phones, wines, and books We seldom hear the oath it took With promises of happiness and joy No room for sadness, never a ploy That inner turmoil we know right now Is forcing us to ask ourselves how? How can I find peace when it is not in sight? How can I take this love and make the world right? The darkness will lift & all light will shine through When you come to realize, peace is in you

Bio: My name is Doriel I am a 30 something wife & mother of 6 I am a wild soul, Lover of all things unique Owner of my Destiny Living in Brooklyn one day at a time 248

Name: Macdell Joshua Kofi Sackey

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: IF PEACE IS TO PREVAIL IN THE WORLD

Hitler brought catastrophes in World War 11, Wars arrived later in the Balkans, Sadam committed atrocities in Bagdad and beyond, Genocide occurred in Rwanda, Al-Qaida killed all over the world, Al-Shabab continue to massacre many in East Africa, ISIS murdered and displaced many in the Middle East, Boko Haram has brought fear in West Africa, Demonstrators were attacked in Hong Kong, years after Tienanmen Square incident, People died in xenophobia attacks in South Africa, Bombings happened in Sri Lanka after attacks at Christchurch, If peace is to prevail in the word, Then mankind must love and tolerate each other.

Bio: Macdell Joshua Kofi Sackey is a three-time international award winning naturalist/performance poet, a children’s author, an emerging playwright and an emerging novelist from Ghana, West Africa who resides in Nigeria.

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Name: Rahana K Ismail Gender: Female Country: India

Poem: THERE IS STILL HOPE FOR WORLD PEACE There's still hope for peace in bleak barrens. When power of love overwhelms power of divide. The deluge washing away the grime on the surface, Exposing the unblemished glean of peace within. In the selflessness of the rescuer who bent down As a foothold to clamber on the rescue boat. In the generosity of the fleece merchant who gave All he had to the hopeless and the helpless. In the earnestness of churches, mosques, temples Flinging open their gates to all in need alike. In the ardor of fishermen who risked their boats And lives to rescue the stuck and stranded. We lost homes and holdings; lives and links Yet gained a glimpse of world of peace within.

Bio: Rahana K Ismail is the author of the book Borderline- Pursuit of Perfection which chronicles the journey of a poet through Borderline Personality Disorder. A doctor by profession, she writes poems, short stories, novellas in different genre in magazines and blogs. She hails from the state of Kerala in the Indian subcontinent. Her friends and family were stranded in the flood of August 2018 inundating the state. In spite of all the turmoil, it brought out the best in people, joining hands in spite of the divides of religion, caste and social status.

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Name: Babatunde Gabriel Oluwaseyi

Gender: Male Country: NIGERIA

Poem: PEACE (A Prose Poem)

A little undone, a little of both fleetingly it stays in a twinkle; it gone such a silly little feeling. Losing hope of this dreadful world the dominance of world feat, the slightest blowing natural air conditioner evokes me to the translucent condition posterior out of modified firmament in nature. Frolic and fun to the night, turn in the vexation without hesitation this chance of a lifetime; a high that is slow in decent belongs to the celebration, despite daddies’ scowls and mommies. However, had I resisted, o ye so call peace. I prefer peace of mind to mind of peace though there is no peace of mind without mind of peace! I prefer peace of mind to having wealth though there is no peace of mind without money; a constant ingredient in that commodity called wealth! And except in the paradise money will continue to dictate man’s peace, as it will govern the absence of it! The presence of peace draw Cottage to Mansion though inside a Mansion is a Cottage while brick has been a major material in the building of the duo! And except in the Paradise majority of sons and daughters of Adam will never own Cottage and Mansion at a go!

Bio: I'm Babatunde Gabriel. A student who graduated from Crawford University where I attained my first degree (B.Sc) in Computer Science and Technology. The moment I realized my purpose on Earth, is when I desired to know my worth and never to stay for less. And I inculcate the habit of reading and writing.

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Name: Safiyanu Suhaibu

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: Title: Land of Saints

I know of a land where; Bomb blasts, rape, violence, thuggery and hooliganism is all but an illusion, Where; harmony chases insecurity with ammunition, Where; lore of love, tolerance, peace and unity circulates from generation to generation.

A land where; cat and rat lives sedately, Political and traditional rulers rule stately, God's mercy pours incessantly, Poverty agitations are lynched mercilessly

By our fathers who, cladded in combat to plunder ignorance, Wielded their weapons to scare intolerance, Decorated their swords with blood of beheaded injustice, And raised the white flag of peace in the sky.

Bio: A young poet and lyricist of 20 years old hails from Bagwai local government of Kano state, Nigeria. Currently an SSCE graduate from GTC Tiga and got an admission to study at UDUSOK this year.

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Name: Tajudeen Rasak

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: SYMBOLS OF PEACE

The visage that clouds the firmament, Appears as a wrathful omen, Which behooves the thoughtful ones to seek refuge, By cupping hands to make mouthful wishes.

Behold! Here flies the emblem of peace, An impeccably white dove, Employing an olive branch at its beak. To sprinkle serenity throughout the globe. With the auspices of the supreme, we embrace peace.

Cloaked in the shifting sands of misery, The air friends the soul. To water the status quo, Paddle with the motto of my country. Unity and faith, peace and unity.

Razak Defrayal. 253

Bio: He's a prolific writer who studies English language in Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Nigeria.

Geraldine Tunstall United Kingdom 254

Name: Geraldine Tunstall Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: We grow and heal every day As long as we’re further ahead than yesterday We stumble, we trip Some days we might want to quit Today is not that day I have fought through too many tough days this year And in this life To worry about how these things may affect me What if someone doesn’t like me What if it’s awkward What if they say something? What if I end up alone? Are we happy? The truth is Yes, things make me uncomfortable But I’m not giving up my place at the table for anyone In fact I’m sat at my own table I’m at peace I am happy being unapologetically me I have dug so deep that I don’t hate or dislike 255

I don’t wonder why I’ve have grown I’m just living now Enjoying every single day, week, year, moment In peace At peace with my soul Happy I’m lucky enough to wake every day

Bio: I’m Gez, Geraldine, a 30-year-old pet that lives in Nottingham. Originally from Preston. I go by Deenascribbles on my poetry blog and love to write things that are raw and real.

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Name: Muhsina.K.Ismail

Gender: Female Country: India

Poem: The unheard melancholies

I could decipher the melancholy in those melodies I could detect the melancholy in those sculptures They pretend to be happy in the midst of chaos Their eyes are welled up and heart is messed up They once had protested, they once had bellowed Against these injustice, against these iniquities But no one heard, no one listened They were suppressed and imprisoned They were oppressed and stiffened I couldn’t vociferate, but wail I couldn’t execute, but watch I couldn’t cry, but whimper I couldn’t argue, but whisper My hands are frozen as if in a dream!

Bio: Muhsina K. Ismail is a dentist by profession. Her articles have appeared in renowned newspaper supplements and magazines. She has one the first prize in story writing competition conducted by one of the well-known kids' magazine of the state. She has published a novel named 'The frozen memories'. She also writes stories and poems for children and has published a short story named,' The letters from a kid'. She enjoys writing poems. 257

Name: Vissevasse

Gender: Male Country: West virginia

Poem: I once saw the world in peace I once saw it all clear but now my words begin to shiver as I question are we in peace here what's is peace and from where does it come? how does it feel when you are fully home? I once felt it but I never knew what it completely was. was I naive when I was in peace was it my uncaring childhood that let my free? when I now sit in what feels like a warzone the idea of peace feels like just that a short lived dream

I've always got problems and that kills me peace in myself feels unattainable but now i ask myself if peace is even what i want in a world full of peace i got nothing to want 258

nothing to get nothing to do all my wishes would be fulfilled all my dreams would become real even though I've longed for peace so long and dreamed of a life without pain I must say that I need the struggle to remain

Bio: I'm not sure what you reference with "Bio" is it biography? I hope so. My history is the same as many others. When I look back, I see many of the same things as others: happiness, loneliness and anger. And I will try to look forward with my anger, loneliness and happiness as a tool for better comprehension of this world. This is the reason why I entered this poem contest. I've as many others a history.

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Name: Miranda Salinger

Gender: Female Country: United States of America

Poem: I think the day is just another obstacle for me to go back to bed. The program of traveling to class while trying to keep up my social life it feels as though my mind is out of breath Only when I lay back down on that pillow does it all just stop. The constant fear of my loud mouth stops. The fright of my braided hair coming back to its natural state of frizz stops. The desire to learn but most importantly memorize information stops. And lastly, the intensity of publicity of myself simply stops. The biggest breath of fresh air comes when I snuggle under my covers Ruin my eyes with the blue light of my phone and leave my life For a second, a simple, and short second. I feel at ease And I like it, I really like it.

Bio: This poem is about the constant stress I feel at school and in public. And how my favorite time is when I can just stop all of the stressing and fall into sleep. I think the title would be Peace in Bed although I truly and not the surest. I hope you like it.

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Name: Ntui Vincent Mbey

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: On The Road to Damascus.

I have trudge on this path before, the road to Damascus, with a Trojan horse. I have heard God’s voice before, rending the igneous cradle of my heart.

I have found Madibas on this path, bent down with hard labours of courage, blazing the path of truth to colour blindness.

I have found Malalas on this path, shot with a hole through the head, No blood though, only the chants of many, freedom!

I trudge now on the road to Damascus, in reverse travel, ticking back the hands of time. I hear the peacemakers’ song, “We will stay on this path”

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Bio: My name is Ntui Vincent Mbey from Nigeria, an undergraduate of the University of Calabar, Calabar studying English and Literary studies. I am a storyteller interested every story that is about humanity and passionate about these stories being heard.

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Name: Lynda Victoria

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Hypothalamus I try to catch the words that freeze my hands and slide In a life and empty space that is everything. Desiring that the unnatural occurs. leaving the moment, in a dimension where nothing changes. And feel the joy of those children who play to maintain balance on the curbs of the streets. And so, the light that the black hole let out warms my hands to put them in pray position, to give thanks for peace.

Bio: I am a 21-year-old social work student. I was born in Colombia, however I was raised in Spain and I have been living in London for the past 10 years.

I originally wrote this poem in Spanish.

Thank you for taking your time to read it.

Best,

Lynda

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Name: Vicente Aguillo Valdez Jr.

Gender: Male Country: Canada

Poem: Songs of Peace: We are One

We are one to sing the songs of peace Together we fight the demons of disgrace; Everyone must be dancing with joy and grace We oppose war to start that could be a menace.

We are one at heart to help one another All united, for prosperity we conquer; Getting along for brotherhood binding together Embracing culture, ethnicity and power.

We oppose catastrophic chaos and despair Free to assert justice to combat each battle; With our strengthened voice be heard longing for peace A warrior of love painting togetherness.

Hail to the songs of peace, the songs of victory! God is peace, the answered song for you and me.

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VICENTE AGUILLO VALDEZ JR. TORONTO, CANADA.

Bio: Graduated Civil Engineering at National University year 1978 -1979 Phil's and migrated to Toronto, Canada in the year 1994. Studied Health Care and Personal Support Worker and working in St. MICHAEL HOSPITAL as a Clinical Assistant. Started writing poetry in High School and college. Contributing poems to magazines like News Today International while in Saudi Arabia and to Taliba News, Toronto and Absolutely Filipino in Vacouver.

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Name: Barnabas Tiburtius

Gender: Male Country: India

Poem: SEEKING INNER PEACE

I wonder why the mind, a twisted journey undertakes, For some trivial purpose, a self-satisfying construct, Imaginary hurdles, unfathomable chasms it makes, A knotted mess, the state of intended joy to destruct. The mind in ego mode is an ill-equipped unstable toy, Poised like a spinning top, a false stability in motion, Toppled by any subtle variant that emotions employ, Temporary stability of lunacy in numbing commotion. Immobile is its structure when materially beseeched, Rough edges honed, balanced to a spherical frame, A gliding mind focused, easily its purpose reached, In this many manifestations temporal, a divine game. Now empty the turbulent mind of all gravitating dross, Let many Masters’ wisdom aid me, the horizon to cross.

BARNABAS TIBURTIUS Bio: Born in 1942 and fortunate to have had the best education, I have been writing poetry for the last 60 years. I am a published poet and was constant contributor to the annual poetry Compton by Forward Press UK. My book "Mystic Delights Through the Senses" was published in 2018. For my detailed profile see www.livingspark.net/mentor 266

Name: Trino De La Torre

Gender: Male Country: United States

Poem: Peace with you Peace with me ------Enlightening Peace Delightful Peace, Glorious Peace, Peace with you, Peace with me

Strong Peace, Gracious Peace Lovely Peace, Adorable Peace Splendid Peace, Real Peace

Peace in my heart, Peace in your heart Peace everywhere, Peace today, Peace forever

Bio: I hope that everyone has splendid, real peace in your hearts. Peace with you Peace with me! Sincerely, Trino De La Torre

267

Name: Laurence Williams

Gender: Male Country: England

Poem: The most profound thing that I can do Is to step out nearly naked on the M62 It’s 08:15, I’m piss wet through Doused in petrol Everything stands still Mad grin fixed to my face with glue Strike a matchstick Mean sickness in my eyes, staring up high Lotus position, lean close, Flame held to the sky Listen carefully to the words I whisper quickly before I die It’s useless, it’s over now, you’ve missed it I’ve lost it, Ive wasted everything here When I thought we had ages I’ve traipsed through the hallways of time and I’m late Now there’s none left alive or exist undisguised On paper, creative New paper I hate it 268

Flying angrily in through my letter box daily Mail bombing any bodies minds that will take it Scary amazing, crazy you rate it To hear what you fear when you fear only fear itself It’s clear that the peace has no hope around here anymore it will steer you away To this day it has ruined you, Warped you, removed you from grace To the grave Now you rot and your left in disgrace So face up to your master who’s waiting The maker it waited And waited so patient Apologising in blood and a biro Meanwhile at the party I float by in a lido Eating burgers and trifle Sniffing cocaine/ketamine Off of style magazines Or a dusty old bible If your clean then your good, your off to the greats But the dead Souls don’t come Have a debt they must pay With the house and they know this is it 269

And it hurts but the violence was lit Life was so cool for you, it’s under, I’m over Waiting out in the cold and the rain I grow older They think they’re away Fake plastic machines All fail in time Turn pale Super cool And the sickness begins It grows like before and again in your ears An Intense rush destroys And so on and so on and so on and so on Money isn’t real and never was.

Bio: Hello, my name is Laurence Williams and I am a 28-year-old writer / artist from Manchester, England. This poem is called I wrote “Epic poem 001” whilst suffering from a heavy episode of my depression. It documents the hopelessness I have felt, as a lifelong campaigner of peace.

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Name: Maneesha M

Gender: Female Country: India

Poem: THE BIRDS OF WHITE Boom bang the fiery glints, glimpse the wings of solitude, lies the immortal soul of inhumanity, untouched, protected at the core of war. I and you died far away, We and us take a birth they say. Black and white is closer in gene, caste and religion is smaller in apart, distance and boundaries are lost ago, united we over the nations. Flew the birds of white, over the land of red, hosting the flag of green, apart by the motion of blue.

Bio: I am Maneesha M who belongs to India. I am 21 years old pursuing graduation in botany and biotechnology. My main hobby is writing and biggest wish is to become an author and a poet.

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Name: Nwobi Chidubem Valentine

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: Cry for peace

I heard the wind mourning Waging its tail for peace I saw the birds flying Towards the source of the gentle bliss

The light is getting dim Stop war and it will brighten Our cities are grim only peace can lift its laden

The world needs a day To remember we are species of peace Let us find a way For black and white to kiss

Bio: My name is Nwobi Chidubem Valentine. I'm a student of University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. A poet and also the of "The Royal Bracelet”. I’m a humanitarian, peace advocate and ambassador. A member of YaLi Network, ONE and many other organizations whose aim is to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.

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Name: Daniel Muky

Gender: Male Country: Uganda

Poem: If peace was like a gem priced for demand, It sure would've been worth more than diamond. And if so it was like a philosophy studied by the curious, it would've been a subject for the genius.

But why when peace is just so abundant! Like the sky it's constant, and it neither wanes like the moon and nor like the sun does it set.

It's only fair that to have it we all ought. But why share only when we see there's to gain? Why love only to ease our own hearts of the pain? A sister today, tomorrow you sell a slave for coin! And a wife you ought to love so, you now treat like vermin!

We should build no walls against the enemy for we are the enemy. Because peace is abundant, but only in our selfishness do we hinder its last.

Bio: I am a Ugandan artist aged twenty-two. I love reading and playing music, and recently took to writing poetry to express my inner self that people so often miss to see in us introverts. 273

Emma Miller United Kingdom

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Name: Emma Miller

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: I feel your calling, My stomach churns. A head full of images, Of seas that swirl.

I feel your calling, Like birds of the sea. I long to feel the breeze, To settle the storm in me.

I feel a warning, A pain from within. Harsh tides are rising, My mind will not still.

I long for salty winds, That dust through my mind. To settle my soul, whilst My compass I find.

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Bio: My name is Emma; I am 38 Years Old. I am a mother and a wife and I am from Cheshire, England

This is the first poem I have completed since I was a teenager. It has been helpful to me to write; I feel more settled. I am submitting it, as I hope it brings others joy.

My poem is about finding inner peace, whilst navigating the world of having teenagers.

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Girija P Hampannavar India

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Name: Girija P Hampannavar

Gender: Female Country: India

Poem: Meliorism is the way of life

The world outside has a brighter side gloomy at times, unjust likewise In the mirror of the eye of a lost child, I fail to agonize, if it’s nuisance or fright. History has witnessed many miracles so far, When it seemed impossible, kindness raised the bar. To halt the terror and the war, The only exigency of the hour. Benevolence is the key, To enlighten the world with glee. The greatest caliber that mankind can feature To bring in peace and love, all the creatures deserve. Meliorism shall be the way of life, To lead the path to serenity without strife.

Bio: Girija P. Hampannavar is a story writer and blogger. Blogging has served her passion for rigorous writing and poetry for the creative part of it. Ever amused by the intricacies of life, she explores and enjoys writing about life experiences and the power of self-help. Interested in eclectic expanses such as dancing, cooking, history, thrillers, movies and also mimicking, she enunciates her funniest self by describing herself in third person. A civil engineer by profession 278

yet seeking solace in her passion like every other millennial. Also, she swears by her first ever poem written which could only cover a corner place of a children’s magazine, for her undying love for poetry

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Kevan Jackson England 280

Name: Kevan Jackson Gender: Male Country: England

Poem: WHERE IS PEACE

You can’t find peace in the barrel of a gun Or a rich man’s wallet where atrocities begun You can’t find peace in the squalor of a hovel In the graves we all dig with our god given shovels Hollow eyed children, fat bellies and flies Do we in the west ever here their cries? No, opulence and fame our only desires Ignorance, greed, wanton lust Our nuclear bombs, scarring earth’s crust Learn, we must The wisdom is there, if we dare, it’s ours to share But only, if we truly, can learn to care

Bio: I consider myself to be a positive person deep down but realise that mankind has a tendency to self-destruct. I wake up every morning with this knowledge in mind and will myself to believe that the glass is half full, always.

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Name: Busari Olawale Umar

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: peace the earth opened on a hill, to spits out fire. the air gathers itself to do no good. a war has begun. the vultures await the carcass of the living. like a stroke to the clitoris bigotry is thrill. the needy crunch on the fingers that fed them. paddle your canoe in the sand, my fingers are tired. spirit of my ancestors came in a dream- ugly dead people. this and more resolve to the powers of peace, they explained. peace is the language of the galaxy. I am the crier to the realm from beyond their message I pass. please listen, I have done my part.

- BUSARI OLAWALE UMAR

Bio: Busari Olawale Umar was born in Lagos, Nigeria. He lives in Lagos with his mom and sister. He is currently after a bachelor's degree in philosophy at the university of Lagos. He hopes to become a lecturer, a renowned writer and poet.

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Name: Vasileios Flampouraris

Gender: Male

Country: Ελλάδα

Poem: Angel

I ' m trapped in a Boeing 717. I look forward to being allowed. Anticipating their take-off permit departing to my future. The turbines roam non-stop. I 'm sitting in the elongated tube, without oxygen, like Pythia I have strange hallucinations. The present time is frozen. The wind is silent. The clock has stopped. Suddenly, I am in heaven. I am shackled by everything and by all in my world.

Bio: My name is Vasileios Flampouraris. I am an anesthesiologist but I am a poet too. Iolkos - Edition has published 2 poetry's collections. Erotic sketches 2017, first award from Kefalos Literature Magazine and Human notebook 2018, first award from Kefalos Literature Magazine. Alkaios Prize Kavafis poetry competition - International Art Society.

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Joanna Rawnsley United Kingdom

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Name: Joanna Rawnsley

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Peace, I know not of it. I sit trying to think of what it means, What’s it’s definition? I suppose, I should think, What does it mean to me? Going to sleep with a smile, Waking, ready for another passion filled day. A hot coffee on this quiet morning, Wondering what it could bring. Loving Mondays, After so much time has been wasted. Happily awaking, On a path of my own creation.

Bio: This poem is about what peace means on a smaller scale. We’re all wanting peace on earth and this is not something we should give up on; however, when searching for this peace I feel we forget the little things. It’s these small moments of joy that make us find peace. If everyone has happy in their lives, would this not make peace for humankind?

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Name: Thomas Hutchinson

Gender: Male Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Title: In Line

We learned to tie green laces, Grew in to dying them blue

Standing, beneath the doorway It is easy to forget That every fingerprint, stains But was once imperative

Remembering them, for what They allowed us to build on Brings everybody, in To the room

Name: Thomas Hutchinson

Bio: Thomas Hutchinson is a twenty-seven-year-old poet from Newcastle upon Tyne.

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Name: Iqra Tabassum

Gender: Female Country: Pakistan

Poem: I am on a jubilatory fly way of this adorable planet, Earth peeking in Asian houses where love is saying "I am gender free" proceeding to farms, watching the germinating fruits of love side by side, streams of grief and joy are flowing with glee blues and songs of love, sung by Beatles band As no more conflicts in Syria, Venezuela and Yemen royal and pariahs are going to their school, hand in hand blessed and cursed are holding, love bouquets the aroma of prosperity, thrown by Jasmine buds spreading harmony and jubilation among souls I am seeing the sun, giving it's light to everyone and the sight of progression by Adam is no more close this planet, pleasing me to live here my heart seems to have found an awning here somewhere.

Bio: I am Iqra Tabassum from Pakistan. I am about 19 years old girl. I am doing my bsc.honrs in physics (first semester) in government college university of Lahore. I belong to a mediocre family as my father is a driver. I have keen interest in writing poems and short stories. My basic aim to write this poem is to promote peace in world. 287

Name: Paul McDonald

Gender: Male Country: GB

Poem: 'Fear of Flying' When you hug your enemy prepare to flutter with fear, like that moment on take-off: the runway point of no return.

Creature of possibility, the void at your core means you've taken a chance on peace. Embrace your adversary, the promise of altitude, the buoyant, infinite blue; with their chin on your shoulder, they are scared of heights too.

Paul McDonald

Bio: Paul McDonald taught at the University of Wolver Hampton for twenty-five years, where he ran the creative writing programme. He took early retirement in 2019, and now writes full time from his home in Walsall, England. He is the author of eighteen books to date, which include works of poetry, fiction, and criticism. 288

Name: Lindsay Nyabereka

Gender: Female Country: Zimbabwe

Poem: Such a thing as the human condition

Such a thing as the human condition, I mean it’s not like we’re not all hurting Bothered by unique and universal limitation It’s not like the chaos is helping Helping me, or helping you Yet we’ll dilapidate inside and out You’d thinking we’d move forward from survival too Hunting to be the fittest around Such a thing as the human condition, Help me out and I’ll help you

Lindsay Nyabereka, Pen Name M^h (Mind ‘to the power of’ the Heart)

Bio: Lindsay goes by the Nom de Plume ‘M^h’; mind ‘to the power of’ the heart. M^h is a nineteen-year-old Zimbabwe born writer who often refers to herself as a truth-seeking, soul- searching storyteller. She believes in the power of words to perceive, create, and destroy all forms of life. Ultimately she is concerned with the human condition and this is evident in all its forms in her work. Her work that allows her to somehow feel a thing or two, deeply, without judgment.

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Name: Subhasish Das

Gender: Male Country: India Poem: The Land Where I Belong

Take me to the land Where freedom is harvested, Where golden sunshine wash away weariness Where koel sings to soothe ears Where ripples in the pond reflect longing dream Where if buried, white lilies bloom in the graveyard. Take me to the land Where faint breeze hums the lullaby of childhood Where tall, wild grasses treasure adventure ahead Where old farmers tell stories under starry night Take me to the land, Where life exists after death… That is the land, Where I belong.

Bio: An author by hobby, a Copywriter by Profession, a Painter by Heart, Ronald Robin Roy loves nature, his surroundings from which he derives inspiration just like bees suck nectar out of flower. He aspires to be a writer for the people who draws peace and love from the simplest things of life.

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Name: Lucy Chatwin

Gender: Female Country: England

Poem: Title: ECAEP

People united together, Entwined forever, Alliance and parity, Collaboration with humanity, Energies combined from now until never.

By: Lucy Chatwin

Bio: Passionate About Poetry Since Discovery a talent As a teenager

291

Name: Shali Agwera

Gender: Female Country: Kenya

Poem: A girls' cry

I'm tired of running for my life. I want rest and peace of mind. I miss going to school. My sister is very sick. She'll die if we don't get help. Hear the voices of the people ye nations.

I want to go to school and achieve my dreams. Breaking the law to save a life isn't bad. I don't want to cause any trouble. Hear the voices of the people, oh hear.

By Shali Agwera

Bio: Shali Agwera is an emerging writer with a passion for poetry and short stories. Her poetry is an expression of thoughts and feelings that other humans’ beings can relate with. She loves reading too.

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Name: Ellie Buchanan

Gender: Female Country: Scotland

Poem: The Light That Made Us Love

Peace was the light that came in on a stormy stress soaked sea peace was the light that came in on a dark night dragged down by doubt peace was the light that came in on a lonely moor melted in madness peace was the light that came in the light that made us laugh light stepping through life the light that made us love

Ellie Buchanan

Bio: I am a rock climber and outdoor guide based in Scotland and use writing and poetry to share my passion for the natural world and everything I have learnt Through it.

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Kavyaarasi Muneesvaran India

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Name: Kavyaarasi Muneesvaran

Gender: Female Country: India

Poem: PACIFISM

Peace is a word cannot be found in a war. Amity may be resulting the nation's unity. Cessation of war can emerge the peace. Immoral weed like ethnicity must expunge. Fighting is not the only way for dispute. Impassivity leads to demise the people. Serenity of nation induce jocund of populace. Mayhem must efface and -

Let the peace must grow in the world. - Kavyaarasi Muneesvaran

Bio: Kavyaarasi Muneesvaran is an evolving poet who is a management graduate. Pasifism is the 9th poem of mine which have peace as a theme. Poem is in the form of acrostic type. No war and need peace are the main theme of this poem.

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Name: Riffat N Ahmed

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Arduous Yield

The dog gnarled; his mouth fathomed, eyes littered Untamed, unbridled; the spiteful, sense spread The sound echoing far; hammering, jarring noise Bereft badly the unhappy beast; his roaring rage, Brewing no solace; though patron of peace and affinity Now victim of time, ever changing tide and torment What lies in his creed, will tower as peace? All he needs is a man to harness him, cajole Just take him for him, regardless of role His pedigree is simple; a vital, breathing soul It’s brutal to think beyond this countenance Be and let it be, embraces the subsistence The harmonious mode will rupture the fleece Peace will be attained, he will be peace

Bio: Riffat N Ahmed is a passionate writer of two genres; Poetry and Short Story. Holding a Master's Degree in English Literature and ELT Major and being Editor at the University and College level has helped her maintain critique. She proudly holds Certification by the Bard School of writing with her 'Share your story' group. She encourages Creative Writing and is currently working on her book. 296

Name: Godsent Okere

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: The Leviathan

A vast sea of floating skulls the deeds of dead men, running without course to the great beyond the vengeful cries of innocent bloods and unfulfilled dazzling dreams which vanished as volatile vapour into the thin air within the blink of an eye by unseen lords who sits in the havens and make the men their footstool: meagre mere men whose seat seared with red-hot silvery metallic mattock; in suppressed murmur, mother-earth now trades pieces in peace for peace in pieces Bio: A budding and enthusiastic writer and poet; Godsent Okere was born in Lagos, Nigeria. He's gentle and speaks less, but expresses himself better through writing. He loves English Language, work of arts, and nature. He's participated in various writing events like, GoiPeace. Godsent was the Kogan/Wilcox International Award recipient, Stephen A. DiBiase Poetry Prize, 2018, for his poem, The Selective Lad. ‘The Selective Lad’ has featured in The International Poetry Digest Monthly. He was a longlist, OWT Short Fiction Prize, 2019. 297

Name: Adedayo Babatunde Gbolahan

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: EVEN OUR VOICES CRIED OUT TO US TODAY.

Tomorrow is here again. we have invested in filthy days and yet haven't made gain, all is well being all my fear stashed head says. Things fell Apart when they turned players in this game of thrones and our lights in sight burned, caged in the garden of weeping stones. I took a shot at the Devil. All we want is peace, let's Live it! That stranded hope, let's Leave it! Are you their GOD, it's a new level? All we want is a world of tranquility. Let peace reign- much needed with stability.

Bio: Adedayo Babatunde Gbolahan is an Award-winning poet, a student of the Department of English, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. His works have featured in so many anthologies and have equally won many Poetry competitions. He was awarded by the vice Chancellor of the University.

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Name: Seun Ayomide Akinade

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: The Promised Land

We rise even before the sun glitters Just like our past told us to. We leave our shelters behind And gather ourselves by the king's yard To watch the priest, lead our path With our flag of Israel blowing above And our fears locked in our dreams We gather ourselves in pairs Even the little one’s follow With their soul kept behind their palms The strong carries the weak And the weak holds on to the strong We all march towards the flawless sanctum Where our souls will forever rest in peace.

Bio: Seun Ayomide Akinade is a graduate of the College of Law of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State. Nigeria. An aspirant of the Nigerian Law School. He is a brilliant creative writer and an award winning poet. He loves writing especially to simply furnish smiles.

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Asmita Pramanik India 300

Name: Asmita Pramanik

Gender: Female Country: United Arab Emirates

Poem: Goodnight

“Goodnight, my beautiful girl,” he read to her, yet again, that tale of passion, peace and love- “The newlyweds, undaunted, Sang aloud carols of peace As the Babri’s fall gestured Death and Satan’s release. The clamor of their daggers cut deep Although, little one, not on bare skins They delved through sheathed minds That waged wars against their own kin.” “Goodnight, my beautiful angels,” the little one, yet again, unclasped her secret to the unswerving stars, at peace above.

Bio: I am Asmita Pramanik, a regular 17-year-old Indian high school student studying in the United Arab Emirates. I hold a strong belief that the written word is the next most powerful piece of weaponry that man can acquire. It, sure, wouldn't fire bullets because its power lies in the release and fostering of gardens of violets that would forever uphold the message of peace and harmony. 301

Name: Joseph Sinclair

Gender: Male Country: United Kingdom

Poem: I disengage the padlock of my mind allowing thoughts free access to the peace that lurks behind the spread of undisclosed agendas and secrets unconfined.

Joseph Sinclair

Bio: After retirement from 40 years of a career in transport spent in several countries and three continents, Joseph Sinclair has since devoted the next 30 years to a writing career. He now has 16 published titles to his credit ranging from transport history, via complementary practice, and one novel, to his last four published works of poetry.

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Name: Antonia Salinas Murguia

Gender: Female Country: United States

Poem: The Challenge of Peace

If hearts were aligned with kindness, would we have peace? Peace is intrinsic to our being, it is a calmness, a silence of emotions. A beautiful word that allows us to appreciate life’s moments, but many times it is taken for granted. We teach our children the meaning of peace, yet, reality is full of chaos.

Where is the peace? How did we lose that value? How does one become so callous and angry? threatening and vicious? Does this start with one’s upbringing, insecurities? tragedies, abuse, jealousy, struggles of learning, of social behavior? Is this how the sanctity of life becomes meaningless? 303

If hearts were aligned with kindness, would we have peace? We pray for peace; we greet with peaceful gestures; we wish each other peace, and sing of peace. Yet, there is still chaos and peace feels impossible. Will we ever have peace? I worry for our families, our future.

If hearts were aligned with kindness, would we have peace? How can we spread peace worldwide? in our countries, our cities, our neighborhoods? What do we do when we encounter? those who have not experienced peace?

We start with a smile, a handshake, a hug, an act of kindness, and learn how to agree to disagree with respect, and then learn how to compromise. We start today, and continue the next day, and the next day until it becomes habit, it becomes who we are. We turn into role models for peace and the best thing of all: anyone can do it! 304

Bio: Antonia Salinas Murguia is a retired educator and published poet. She loves all kinds of poetry and tries her hand at all forms. She is a member of Alamo Area Poets of Texas, San Antonio Poet's Association, Poetry Society of Texas, and Sun Poet’s Society. She also is an advocate for Suicide Prevention.

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Name: Alissa Bonnett

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: They line up: pantomime actors after a play.

These countries, war-torn, sweating with rage, go blasting their horns and wiping the stage with brass and metal from centuries past, and sign with a blast the treaty page.

But when the thunder of praise is acclaimed, they walk from the darkness, beaten, ashamed, and look to the benches; at faces amassed in breath-baited blurriness, in legions vast, and grab the hand of their actor in crime and promise goodwill, goodwill for next time.

Bio: Alissa has been an avid fan of military history and poetry from a young age. She consequently often merges the two. Her poetry centers around the theme of war and peace has proved of particular interest. She generally prefers to stick to traditional form and meter, but is happy to experiment in other forms also.

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Name: Atharva Ughade

Gender: Male Country: India Poem: The childhood went under this shed, With all those pens blue, black, red. The friendship goals on every bench, Filling days with adventurous quench. Roam roam and roam around, On corridors, toilet, canteen or ground. The memory a lot in mind to stay, No need of pictures, our stories say. The blunder dreams everyone say, A lot of scope ahead in our way. But here is where I want to stay, Strong be this building of dreams I pray. My first love my unbreakable oaths, All here it happened. My heart break and the thrilling dreams, Here where it all end. Yes, it’s the kingdom of happiness, of dreams, My beautiful school. Where along with a disciplining stick, My strict principle ruled.

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Bio: I’m a new poet with this beautiful nostalgia of being a great and renowned in this field with my most beautiful content.... In the above poem, I have given you all the first look of my school from my side and how I remember it even now... It will also have you remember the most joyful days of your lifetime... Kindly support

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Name: Lee-Ann Suddick

Gender: Female Country: Australia

Poem: Rise

Innocent hearts are guided into this World, the canvas of each life Brushed with endless possibility of Rainbow colours, offering Promise of hope and peace. As life's clock is activated with the First resonating breath, So are generational belief systems. Repeating history of dysfunction Leave peace scattered in the dust, Like forgotten refugees. United we need to rise for tomorrows Children - to break all ancestral chains, Allowing Global Peace to reign

Bio: Lee-ann Suddick is an aspiring author. She has no experience in this field, other than writing from the heart. She is currently working on a memoir, and it is her passion to advocate for those who have not yet found their own Voice.

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Palash Mahmud Bangladesh 310

Name: Palash Mahmud

Gender: Male Country: Bangladesh

Poem: Let’s Tune the Equal Share Only human who sheds beads of tears for peace, for pleasure who kills own kind; who contradicts be cruel to be kind as a virtuous crime; who does causing death or destruction in the name of peace like dancing on fire to get a bit pleasure. O mighty creature, what-you-do doesn’t make always what-you-are; you living in an omnipresent paradox; tagging the other as anonymous, the minimum as numberless disregards the pact we form always like singing in a choir of clamor for fissure. O rabid hearts of placid lands, let’s vapor the loathing air, let’s tune the equal share.

-Palash Mahmud

Bio: Palash Mahmud was born in 1986 and lives in Dhaka, Bangladesh and speaks and writes both in Bengali and English. He has completed his BA and MA in Philosophy from Dhaka University. He is studying for an MA (Weekend) in Literature in English and Cultural Studies at Jahangirnagar University. He is working as a Real Estate Executive in Ashiyan Group. His debut single poem has appeared in Active Muse, Winter 2019 issue (India). He writes short stories in English and he is also preparing for writing a novel. 311

Name: Vinay Chaurasiya

Gender: Male Country: India

Poem: Give us some peace. We love the earth, Who don't want any war just need some love and peace.

Think about those little innocence, Who didn't have any mistake But lost all by your arrogance.

Stop all that and be the messenger of peace, We love the earth, who only need some love and peace.

Vinay (Lone Wolf)

Bio: I'm Vinay Chaurasiya also known by my pen name Lone Wolf, born in Delhi. I'm Amateur writer who is one the journey to be the professional writer. Love to write some creative things and always ready for new challenges.

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Name: Nwachukwu Michael Anene

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: Song of Stolen Fruit & Peace you took my love apples away & against her again.

You took peace & scattered her like bananas & called her pieces.

You took courage & shared among like oranges.

You stole understanding That once shared fruit In our heart.

Bio: Nwachukwu Michael Anene is teacher and a poet. Who writes in obosi, Nigeria. His works appear or are forth coming in Nelson Mandela poetry collaboration –freelit 2014, sustainable Nigeria 2019, voicenet 2015 and elsewhere. An editor at AD &act.

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Name: Chloe Ellen Rowlands

Gender: Female Country: England

Poem: The Definition of Peace

You can define peace as ‘freedom from disturbance’, Yet this doesn’t exist in a world of turbulence, War and hate achieve so little, Bonds between countries are becoming so brittle, And all for what? Power hungry governments assert war on each other, But didn’t God tell you to love your brothers? There is no excuse for what is being done, You’re ruining the world and you think it’s fun, And all for what? Reflecting on the past doesn’t seem to change, That not fighting people wouldn’t seem strange, All these brilliant people never contradict, That problems could be solved without conflict

Bio: I am currently 18 years old studying Ancient History of Archaeology at University. I have always loved writing poetry. I've had some of my poems published in anthologies before. 314

Name: Vivian Chimauche Nwachukwu

Gender: Female Country: Nigeria

Poem: My War My war should be against those who hate each other, for not being alike in colour, not against people who live peacefully.

My war should be against those who hate children, not against innocent children, not against mothers trying to protect their children.

My war should be against bloodshed, not shedding blood to prove superiority, not waring to claim another's property.

My war should be against injustice and corruption, not against peaceful co-existence and happiness, not against the people who love to help others.

My war should be to end bullying, Not to enhance bullying and destruction of lives.

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Bio: I am Vivian, a native of Amorji Nenwe in Aninri local government of Enugu state. I am a graduate of English and literary studies, from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria. I reside in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.

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Name: Graham Burchell

Gender: Male Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Wrestling with Telescopes, 1962

I’m invited by a school friend in a family obsessed with astronomy, to witness what his big brother can do with a circle of thick glass and powders for grinding, polishing. They do this for days, weeks, between meals, work, school and sleep; a patience beyond my comprehension. I’m fascinated, but they’re not quite the ticket. I’m getting bored. I encourage wrestling on the lawn. Fighting is frowned on by his mother. Don’t boys. She sees only peace in her magnified sky. She’s doesn’t want to look back or forward, only up.

Bio: Graham Burchell lives in Devon and has four published collections. He is a 2013 Hawthornden Fellow, the winner of the 2015 Stanza competition, runner up in the BBC Proms Poetry Competition 2016, a 3rd prize winner in the 2017 Bridport Prize (a poem highly commended in the 2018 Forward prize for best single poem). He is one of five that organises the Teignmouth Poetry Festival 317

Name: Ifrah Arshad

Gender: Female Country: Pakistan

Poem: My eyes were open during the midnight, Finding for peace high up in the sky. I was watching the stars so I wished to fly Because world gave me nothing except fights. Chaos in my heart and listening to those roars, Bleeding bodies, voice of guns shatter me all. Why don't you see a little girl crying by the wall? Crying for her mum who died during the war. While giving her husband a hope to live. But he was tired searching for a safe place For his doll that when she was born he embraced. Is there any pain left for them to give? We all are one so let us be, We all want togetherness with peace.

Bio: This is Ifrah from Karachi, Pakistan who loves to write poems and to express her feelings and thoughts. Poetry is my passion and I want to persue it as long as I am alive. I am a grade 10 student. My other hobbies include reading books and playing badminton.

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Avijit Roy India

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Name: Avijit Roy

Gender: Male Country: India

Poem: To Peace

When the sounds of bullet rest, When the clenching fist numbs, When the western sun wanes, I feet kiss the cold grave, Peace, I saw thee in white robe, Defeating my ears with thy wordless cries. In thy embrace I unties my labour, That seems unless futile. A day will come when ravens will droop, The pigeon will roam in olive crown. On the aerial lyre Peace will weave, The soothing tune to battered souls.

Bio: Avijit Roy was born in India in 1985. He is a graduate in English literature and a teacher by profession. He has five published books. His stories and poems have been published in both national and international magazines.

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Name: Michelle Ly

Gender: Female Country: United States

Poem: A Land Called Peace

At age six we studied war in a rainbow classroom Where we sat at small desks and read books that Glorified death and said that strength came from Gilded glass bullets and metal swords that cut Life threads before they frayed Yet at recess we would build our own utopia Between panels of light and lush raindrops and dew A painted gold sky of a waking dawn not unlike The sunrise we saw at the end of terror’s reign Yesterday save for a tranquil kind of silence From the warmth of hands holding hands Under an olive branch and starlit sky of Luminous love and pure white doves We called this land peace

Bio: Michelle Ly is a sixteen-year-old poet from the U.S. who began writing from a very young age. She attends Chelmsford High School and in the future, she hopes to continue spreading the message of peace through her work. When she isn’t writing poetry or brainstorming new ideas for a short story, she can be found reading or drawing.

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Name: Vera Sofia

Gender: Female Country: England

Poem: People Embracing All Celebrating Each

Vera Sofia

Bio: Vera Sofia is a Portuguese writer living in England. Torn between journalism and theater - words have always been her main stage

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Tayyaba Munir Pakistan 323

Name: Tayyaba Munir

Gender: Female Country: Pakistan

Poem: Inchoate skirmishes ravaging wars Smell of blood with helpless shrieks Fusillades everywhere with metallic smoke Inevitable gifts of deadly wars

What is use of posthumous tribute When living cannot rest in peace What is use of war When orphan cannot hug their fathers again

Tired of war even in dark sky Finesse phalanx of stars preaches peace A scintillating dove with olive branch appears Presenting quintessential lesson of peace Tayyaba Munir

Bio: Tayyaba is a student of Law at Islamic International University, Islamabad, Pakistan. Her parents are Homeopathic doctors who enhanced her writing skills. She is a passionate writer and participated in many international writing competitions. Her quotation was one of the selected quotations in a quotation competition of Embracing Our Differences 2020.

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Name: Jonathan Ukor

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: PEOPLE AND PARLIAMENT

We claim "There is no war On this side of the world." But where is the peace? "No overhead missile Daily flies atop our domicile." Where is communal ease? The rumbles of war now reside With the people and parliament: At the song of blue Twitters, At the switch of red buttons, The missile flies, the war cries. Like the flip of a coin, On the other side is peace, A friendly hashtag or handshake would seal. Jonathan Ukor 2018

Bio: Jonathan is a radical poet who believes thoughts are what shape the universe. His work has featured in the AnambraKopa magazine 2018C and on UCJ Unilorin website. He also operates a personal blog. 325

Nadia Henning United Kingdom

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Name: Nadia Henning

Gender: Female Country: England, UK

Poem: Pirate Sunsets

Back to the olden days, the golden days. Progression then a castle in the clouds, Living in the here and now; hand to the plough. Back to life, and a time when our timid steps Were forward; the monster of the future unfeared. We were children in the ways of modern revolution, And our conflicts had brave new resolutions. Oh, to soak in oxygen lost to political pollution. Summer used to smell of smudged strawberries, And each shade of skin glow with equity. Look at the grief. Unknot twisted priorities. Our peace was captured by pirate sunsets, Of all our successes, what will be left? Only a soul, a sob, a breath.

Bio: My name is Nadia. I am a student from Sussex, England, and I have a love of stories. I believe that words have the power to create and destroy, and I'm dedicated to contributing to the dialogue around big topics that profoundly affect our lives. and am currently in the process of publishing a book on adolescent post-traumatic stress disorder.

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Isiaka A. Kromah Liberia 328

Name: Isiaka A. Kromah

Gender: Male Country: Liberia

Poem: To dies a sweet death

When the call of war came knocking We summon up remembrance of things past, And moan the moan of a great lives And with cries, we set the place with a blast

Then we grieve at grievance forgone We cry from dawn to dust abhor A sad account of legends we moan Paying our tribute not to be seeing anymore,

When precious friends hid in war dateless act and vow their heart to a heriot way And moan the dead that vanishes our sight And the dead are brought to a lay But all losses are restored and the war ends And peace is now our new friend

Bio: Isiaka A. Kromah is a young ambitious Liberia versatile in creative writings. He writes poems, short stories, and journals. 329

Name: Tahirah Mehnaz

Gender: Female Country: England

Poem: A Foundation of Thinking: The sun swifts towards East, and stars dance graciously above the fields. My sight gazes as my mind sings: Nature is an essence of peace in the canopy of diversity. Why does this lack amongst our fellow friends? I think thoughtfully. Through wars of power and cast, how have we slept so calmly? Our differences are languages of piety; to live we need not to combat but be brave and open our hearts to society, let's not defy. Let’s embrace oneness and pave change, let's not deny

Bio: My aspiring career in teaching has led me to explore my passion of writing. I enjoy writing on current issues in the world, peace being one of these, and often personal poems from life experiences of myself and others

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Name: Amanda Moubarak

Gender: Female Country: Lebanon

Poem: Cahos destruction and war zones what have we done what have we become questions of mystery and science are left unanswered then the world stood still inside the silence I saw a bright light I found my answer it will be alright creatures defying nature causing much harm ignoring alarms

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tornados hurricanes, volcanos then in the middle of it all there was a calm in the storm inside the silence I saw a bright light I found my answer it will be alright disasters misadventures they ruin us all leave no one out like dominos if one falls everyone fall the only way to survive is in unison inside the silence it stopped all defiance and just for a moment it all was alright just for a moment 332

it is all alright

Bio: Amanda Moubarak, a psychologist and an amateur writer who uses writing as her therapy since before knowing what therapy even actually is.

Jeffrey G. Delfin Philippines 333

Name: Jeffrey G. Delfin

Gender: Male Country: Philippines

Poem: A Song of Peace: Make us whole again we are living in a chaotic world anger and hatred are living in our hearts our souls are lost in the limbo of darkness we must bring back the time of joy and happiness there's a song I would like to sing wishing an inner peace, it will bring healing our hearts that once broken sing the song of peace to make us whole again we cannot live in this world without each other we must stop the hate and embrace one another together we will unite as one Let us sing in chorus to spread the peace to everyone forever we will sing the song of peace we will never stop and never rest

Bio: I am a Senior High School Teacher at Cabangan National High School. A former college instructor at Botolan Community College and President Ramon Magsaysay State University. I am an arts advocate here in Zambales. I love to sing, draw, and write poems. One of my dreams is to become a successful writer. Photography and Graphic Designing are also my passions.

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Name: Chukwu Patrick Ifeanyi

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: BECAUSE HE ISN'T OURS

The mere mention of his name pops up hatred and anger in our ears like rousting gases from the bottle of a carbonated drink drifted from rest.

We despised him because he isn't ours, because he isn't of our clan nor of our colour but soon, time robed us with a sense of humanity.

And we learnt that as much as the same oxygen match down our lungs, we should embrace peace like the trees in a forest, sharing a common soil, and uniformly dancing to the rhythm of peace sung with the melodious tune of the gentle breeze.

Bio: Chukwu Patrick Ifeanyi is a poet by night and a mathematician by day. He has an obsession for beauty, science and art. Connect with him on Facebook via Chukwu Patrick Ifeanyi

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Name: Victor Igiri

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: WITH PEACE IS EVERYTHING WON

You are never a ritual of habitual crimsons No, not a gem punctuated by frictions, griefs Or the cycle of cable negatives. You are not tribulations nor dirges As outgrowth from a planet of venoms but The dew fit to recast Sahara's into meadows. You are peace,the code against a shrinking span For when life embrace its rainbow, the earth is One band of beauties, not a span of fragments. You are peace - leaves of olive, fair-skinned, Not a ring of toxic cultures and variations For mankind, like God, though exist in assorted Hues were never forged apart. With peace what is ever lost?

Bio: Victor Igiri is a Nigerian poet and essayist, and a writer based in Lagos, Nigeria. His poems have also been anthologized in diverse spaces. His writing muse comes from an intercourse with the world allover from where, through careful observation of things and happenings in the environment, events and history, he draws inspiration to write, inspire, and give hope to his readers. 336

Name: Jaime Filander

Gender: Male Country: Australia

Poem: The Silent Clay

I found it in the clay, laying on the lawn, Slivering and shivering, as a newborn. My old strife, my old fears, my old life, still so near, Of older women and violent madmen, Of loaded guns and silent children, Like a baby, still yet formed, Of a hopeful flower, of a life all happy, Of a wordless cry, a song of glee. I see my path, a path of peace, one of life And family and home and freedom from strife And I face forward, toward the day To find my peace I hold it at bay At home in happiness, and there I stay Like a newborn, laying in the clay.

Bio: I am a student from Australia that has found poetry to be one of the most successful means of communicating those feelings that prose simply fails to convey. I believe my writing says something about myself, and hopefully inspires sentiments within many others. It is my desire to stimulate such feelings that I have ventured to express. 337

Name: Sahaj Sabharwal

Gender: Male Country: India

Poem: HOPE NEVER RESULTS A NOPE

Hope our eyes will never tell a lie, And our confidence level will never die. Hope the forests will always remain clean and green, And the earth will enjoy this frabjous scene. Hope our good dreams will come true, And nobody in this planet will rue. Hope the sun always keep shining, And for UV Protection, ozone will always form a thick lining. Hope everyone lives in peace and harmony, And no one will perform any illegal activity for more money. Hope all humans will perform their assigned passionate roles, And everyone reaches their desired goals. But most important thing is to keep scope of hope, Which will never result a nope. -Sahaj Sabharwal (Author of Book "Poems by Sahaj Sabharwal”) -Jammu city, 338

Bio: PERSONALITY OF JAMMU, INDIA NAME: Sahaj Sabharwal He loves writing poems and thoughts. He lives in Jammu city, Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is 17 years old now a young poet. He has been awarded many awards in poem writing at State level, National and international level. He was also selected to be invited for the INTERNATIONAL WRITERS MEETING IN TARIJA and HUNGARY, EUROPE. He was awarded with the INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMA IN WRITING and INTERNATIONAL MERIT CERTIFICATE IN WRITING and was PUBLISHED by THE YOUNG WRITERS ASSOCIATION IN UK and RECIEVED “CERTIFICATE OF PUBLICATION FROM UK". He was also awarded the 'India Star Proud Award' for his appreciable work and He is the author of the BOOK -: " Poems by Sahaj Sabharwal "

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Name: Cristy Madel L. Abagao

Gender: Female Country: Philippines

Poem: Peace is Everywhere

Peace is everywhere, close your eyes and feel it In the light gentle breeze despite of summer heat In the hymn of rustling leaves and ocean waves In the eyes of every child playing in the streets

I found peace in the beauty of smiles Of every person of different wallks of life In spite of differences in colour and race Respect and unity is highly embraced Peace is in you, just listen and hear it In the melody and rhythm of your heartbeat In the tranquil of your soul, dancing in serene And the love from above, peace is everywhere

Bio: I am a teacher by profession. I am married and a mother of three. I was born in Tampo, Botolan, Zambales, Philippines. I love writing literary. 340

Name: Malvika Patel

Gender: Female Country: India

Poem: Believer

Entering a new decade With renewed light of hope Brings me peace That I can start a fresh now Coming back home to reports of Injustice, violence, cruelty, inhumane acts My soul yearns Not only for peace within But without too. As it's about time to sleep I promise myself to enlighten A new ray of Hope, Peace and Happiness Tomorrow. And every day...

Bio: I am a Second Year Undergraduate student majoring in English Literature from Maniben Nanavati Women's College, Mumbai. I have always believed that my writings can inspire and make many people happy. It's been my major reason of writing. The theme - World Peace has expanded my vision from people's happiness to bringing World Peace by my poetries and stories.

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Name: Phil Santus

Gender: Male Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Give peace a chance.

Far away, in the unforgiving country, a small child is crying for their mother, who has perished beneath the purposeful bombs, that are the weapons of this civil war.

Time ago, when the country had been peaceful, life was safe, but cultures disrespected. Children played, but inequalities festered. Such was the lead up to this nasty war.

Present day, in a time of persecution, the factions are fighting for their causes. No side will relent, and compassion’s absent for the people harmed by this brutal war.

Bio: Following a career as a development engineer and project manager, I have more recently taken to writing songs and poems. I have enjoyed some success so far in a number of publications and look forward to writing more.

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Shah Dru India 343

Name: Shah Dru Gender: Female Country: India

Poem: The world is at war and our hearts are full of fear In too many eyes we notice a tear No one is able to help or save For this is the path we humans have paved Just when our shoulders drooped and our heads were bent From the high heavens, a white dove was sent The great dove brought peace and with peace came love Such was the power of the dove Little by little we learnt its ways, It saved our souls without being fazed With imagination, hope and innovation, It became our symbol of reincarnation The darkness and hate all turned to joy We rose and bid our misery goodbye Now it was time to do our part So we banished the fear from our heart Our goal was to help everyone dear And wipe every tear We did our best and stopped terror’s rampage Only to realize the white dove was nothing but our courage!! Bio: I Am a Simple Student Writer 344

Name: Uchola Sonia Anthonia

Gender: Female Country: Nigeria

Poem: TO LET LOVE REIGN

To see in spite of the darkness the good in all To see the worth in all no matter how big or small To accept that there is beauty in diversity To see in diverse opinions, the beauty of the mind To see in a stranger a brother from another mother To appreciate the young rather than over look them To accept that mistakes do not define people But rather emphasizes our human nature To accept that perfection is overrated and That our imperfections make us unique entities To realize that in one way or the other we are Responsible for our actions and for ones another To accept that our actions make or break us To live, talk, and act peace, is to let beauty reign

Bio: My name is Uchola Sonia Anthonia. Born 5th July 1999. I am 20 years of age and from Kogi state, Nigeria. Current state of residence is Bauchi state, Nigeria. A student of the university of Jos. Currently I'm majoring in Physics. 345

Saria Bahia England

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Name: Saria Bahia

Gender: Female Country: England

Poem: Lift

If it brings a blush to their cheeks If it enkindles their heart If it inflicts them no pain As another mere human, Do your part To scatter magnesium on their fire Affirm with glowing words you accept For their melody may be different To the rhythm you have kept, Do not rain on their parade With your deliberate gloom and your squall With a fervent ear, replay your own record first Because really, Who made you life’s know-it-all?

Bio: Saira lives in Derby, UK. She is currently studying law, and hopes one day to work in Immigration and Human Rights. Learning from her travels, she hopes that the more we put ourselves in foreign, different surroundings, the more we will realize how similar we all really are. 347

Name: Ogon David Ogon Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: A SONG FOR HUMANITY (THE WORLD)

Oh the world; a peaceful land of ADAM…! made with the beautiful and powerful hands of the Almighty God…! and handed over to mankind, purified and blessed before the existence of human. I see your green leaves coming out of the most fertile clay, where the origin of human is traced from the archeological formation. your beauty lies on the realization of true peace of our world, oh let all conflicts of race, colour, creed and social distinction be eventually resolved… oh! How good will you look… when every human recognizes your history that the world was created for love and peace! though human being divided your land “for” and “against” each other’s in the quest for power ‘But love is what we need, love is all we need… your history is love and your humanity is peace, Africa! Europe, America, Asia… color shouldn’t be a priority for disunity, God is love, the world is one, humanity is peace and love, peace brings families together as one… So love and peace is all we need…

Bio: Name: Ogon David Ogon State of Origin: Cross-River State Nationality: Nigeria. Occupation: Student Date of Birth: 24th June, 1994 Hobbies: Reading, Writing and Sport 348

Name: Laluloy Bucar

Gender: Female Country: Australia

Poem: Violet Sentient

I am one being, two sentient

An empty canvas, two paint splatters. Red and blue, hot and cold. Our roles now divulged, we became each other’s worst nemesis They said to look this way, it is beautiful. I lied. They showed, they portrayed what beauty should look like Forcibly naturalized to develop heterogeneous pairs, once homogenous thoughts. Twins who once supported each other, but now the canvas bled red and cried blue. The waterfalls transformed. Saturated, the canvas bloomed violet. A metamorphose of tranquility, maturity and wisdom. A journey of inner peace, balance and invention of self-acceptance

I am one being, one sentient

Laluloy Bucar

Bio: Conflicted with many choices and wants to be able to follow and pursue all my dreams, and my many passions and ever-changing hobbies. An amateur when it comes to writing, and my ideas for another poem seems to appear in the untimeliest situations when there appears to be no writing apparatus around. A lover of all things science, always curious and desire to learn. 349

Name: Mykola Istyn

Gender: Male Country: Ukraine

Poem: I CREATE NEXTMODERNISM

God, what heavy losses now suffer all of Ukraine and my dream... Soldiers are killed in a fratricidal war. And my poetic armies are kicking the beam. And our mistakes explode like Chernobyl again. We wake the lost and aggravate even more our pain. We don't need crying, but renewal, not perishing in a recess, but looking for ways to peace and progress. This is the time for transformation, country's regeneration and those of the nation. In this gloomy time even the perception of God changes. Therefore, I construct counterbalance 350

to the old system of values that didn't work for real, did not bring me or others closer to the ideal. I reject corrupt ideologist... And I create next modernism, as another literature, a new culture, as a niche ─ of freedom and of truth, for the worlds' creation of the boundlessness of the good of the nations and personality, multiplied by the happiness of diverse reality.

Bio: Mykola Istyn is a Ukrainian poet, prose writer, essayist. He is the author of numerous publications in Ukrainian online media outlets and in printed periodicals. In 2018, the publishing house Chaz Zmin Inform published a book of poems by the author called "Next modernism of the Post Modern Paralleled Period".

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Name: Victoria Omoghena Edidi

Gender: Female Country: Nigeria

Poem: KILLING PEACE Boom! Boom! Boom! Screams and cries filled the air As the break of dawn was announced Not by the dutiful cocks in the compounds But by the sound of gunfire Which announced that the fight long avoided Had found a home in our village. When silence finally descended It was punctuated with cries As the living mourned their dead. Loss, pain and destruction accompany war. War is clamored for by the unwise For in its arms, humanity is stripped Of all he knows till all he sees is death.

Bio: Victoria Omoghena Edidi is a citizen of Nigeria in West Africa. She is a student of the prestigious University of Benin where she studies Agricultural Economics and hopes to practice it someday. She is a passionate writer seeking to express herself through words.

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Name: Mamu Roshid Gender: Male Country: Myanmar (Burma)

Poem: World peace

People are dying of AIDS The world is revealing its shadows Our world may be in the opposite direction I think we can fix it better condition Some people rarely survive Some people always believe Which lasts in starvation Simply seem to have their upper class protection There is no option to suspend it., If our main purpose is to survive The current poverty needs to be reduce In order to achieve world peace Children screaming for food We simply ignore their cruel mood They won't survive on their own Please don't leave them alone

Bio: Mamu Roshid is a Rohingya young poet from Myanmar Country, He is a community teacher from Myanmar (Burma). He has been using his experience in teaching English since he was teaching at the Bangladesh Learning Center in a refugee camp for 2 years, Mamu loves writing poetry, short stories and quotes and is a budding poet. Mamu poems have been published in many international anthropologies. 353

Leonidas Goudelis Greece

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Name: Leonidas Goudelis Gender: Male Country: Greece

Poem: ANTIDOTE

As I pray to the shelter of the clouds, my soul soars to the sky, my wings flapping like autumnal leaves. I give my gaze to the white color, which is the ultimatum to sorrow. All brothers give hands, so the antidote of peace is made. The only thing that matters is, how to stop the greed of the Elders? and penetrate their souls with love. A lethal injection to darkness builds the alabaster bridge to kindness. Let us cross its boundaries, for the eternal travel to paradise island.

Bio: I am an Economist and Entrepreneur. I have studied Public Administration from Panteion University of Athens and I speak 5 languages: Greek, English, Italian, Spanish and Russian. I love to write, draw, play videogames, listen to music, and read. I am open to people, as you can always learn from the stories of others. 355

Leonidas Mertiris Greece

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Name: Leonidas Mertiris Gender: Male Country: Greece

Poem: Embrace We are a step away from annihilation. Worshipers of paradox rationalism and unjust acts. We forgot our children… We forgot love… We forgot peace… People of the world, shake off the religious fanaticism and the persistent thirst for war. Unite our hands, our hearts, our dreams, our hopes… Let’s embrace the blonde white dressed girl and let her weave breaths of joy inside fertile valleys of our souls.

Leonidas Mertiris

Bio: I love to write poetry, and i have published 6 poetic books. I have also been awarded from the Australian Cultural Association of Melbourne, for one short story of mine (2010) and for a commendation from the Association "Friends of the museum of Dionysios Solomos and prominent Zakynthians" in 2013. 357

Name: Zaira Lorefice

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Sons and Daughters

We love with the same heart. We believe with the same hope. We suffer with the same pain. We are part of the same world where everyone looks different but is quite the same: Sons and Daughters of a mother's love that will never choose to love someone less and someone else more

Bio: I'm Zaira an Italian living in London working as Membership Assistant in one of the marvellous Museum. I'm graduate in Science of Conservation of Cultural Heritage in Italy, and one of my biggest passion is writing poems. I write poems since I was a child. I believe that simple words can reach everyone. In my poems I always let talk my inner child that can better see the world with no filter or prejudice, and can easily talk to people from any age.

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Ayesha Asif Pakistan 359

Name: Ayesha Asif

Gender: Female Country: Pakistan

Poem: Beautiful world (title) beautiful creatures live on this mother earth each of us are unaware of what our live is worth every dawn the sun whines every dusk the sun declines there are beautiful sights we adore this peace, prosperity is not worth abhor they allow the rivers to pass thanks to the old mountains and the alluring nature of wondrous fountains two loving doves lives in a tree touched by a bee this is what life is about love, care, share this is the meaning of peace

Bio: My name is Ayesha Asif and I'm twenty-five years old. I live in Pakistan and I am a teacher. I hold a degree in bachelors and commerce. My hobbies are reading books, writing and listening to music. I hope to write more and get my work published

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Name: Aicha Smith

Gender: Female Country: Canada

Poem: Red and Blue

In the heat of red and In the blue of dead An echo resounds All pains perished All tears stood hushed All grieves ceased In the heat of red In the blue of dead Peace has come

Bio: Hi, my name is Aicha, I'm a 17 years old girl who has always loved to write poems. I hope you like this one!

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Name: Reinett Chefu

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: The Essence of Peace

Back in they go, The waves of grief. A gentle lull they are replaced with. In the salty saturated air there is a whiff. Its distant, delicate scent tickles my nose. My anosmic soul is antagonized by this aroma. What lingers in the air is the essence of peace?

Lost in an attempt to savor the faint feeling. Back out they come, With a roar that drowns out any whisper of healing. The waves of grief. A thunderous torrent of memories flooding, To take the fragrant silence, the essence of peace.

Bio: Reinett Chefu 18 years’ old Zimbabwean. Currently studying the International Baccalaureate Diploma program in the UK, Aspiring poet and film maker 362

Name: Arthur Allen

Gender: Male Country: Scotland

Poem: Your January

It is the rough month – fish rise like a lost legion in my mother's pond and rush about splashing their open mouths with sunlight like lost legionaries.

Like you they can never roam this world so they neither frighten or delight me.

But sometimes a wind blows ripples with the water and you and I are there.

Bio: Arthur Allen is an award winning British-Canadian poet currently studying for a PhD in grief and semiotics at the University of Edinburgh. His first pamphlet, Here Birds Are, was published by Green Bottle Press, London in 2017. His debut verse-novel, The Nurseryman, (Kernpunkt Press, 2019) won the Eyelands Book Awards Poetry Prize.

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Name: Samihah Sakkaf

Gender: Female Country: Sri Lanka

Poem: Sounds of screams, Rains of bullets, Beat explosive percussions for the demon of war. Heads of men At the hems of her skirt, Sweep floors of blood on the shambles of earth. Peace’s wings clipped And clutched by her hands, Has eyes dancing as fast as her hard bitten feet. Why must one stall her? Peace never shall be free Until we kill the demon lurking within us each.

Bio: I am a Speech and Drama teacher and an Attorney at Law, who writes poems when free. Proud mother of three kids. And desperately want to make the earth a safe haven for my kids and all others alike. 364

Name: Onyekwelu Chiwenite Kingsley

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: MAPS. It is this thing that breaks our bodies into dust into a city burning at noon. My mother holds her breath the way you hold pain on your tongue, as a soldier inserts himself into her body. And in this city there is a man screaming ‘One Nigeria’, flattening another man like wet cloth, before thrusting a flag into his head. The News says that is what you expect when people build boundaries inside maps. But I don’t know the origin of maps. I just trace God’s name on my tongue hoping he would bring us close.

Name: Onyekwelu Chiwenite Kingsley.

Bio: Chiwenite writes to question humanity's misconceptions. 365

Name: Alatishe Hairat

Gender: Female Country: Nigeria

Poem: PEACE Peace lives in all mankind Just like the whitish stain in our eyes Our world today is filled with chaos Birthed from lack of courage to fight Without arms

Carved into the womb of woman Only place man can boast of full peace Loving our world and the people in it in Their own special ways At that point is when peace becomes a Viable feeling All can afford, and extend to others they Meet along their paths in life.

Bio: My name is Alatishe Hairat Omolara. A student of university of Lagos, Nigeria. Born on August 08, 1998. Hobbies are reading and thinking

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Name: Atif Rashid

Gender: Male Country: United Kingdom

Poem: The white doves fly, While the veterans cry. Never again is the resolve, But war is still to dissolve. The heart throbs at the pain, Thinking the sacrifices were in vain. Those who have been slain, Would still be feeling the pain. Words are never enough, Because peace is always tough. Together the fight moves along, So everyone can finally belong. Peace may be hard to achieve. But you just have to believe.

Bio: Atif Rashid is a journalist and writer who has written on diverse topics including politics, religion, the world and social affairs. His work has been published in print and online for international magazines and websites. 367

Lauretta Alonge United Kingdom

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Name: Lauretta Alonge

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: About the Blue.

On the ascent to the surface you reach a sort of Byzantium.

Feet kicking you swirl into the last metre of the ocean, the bluest water you could ever imagine the sun’s glare against your tank a crest of everything you to come.

Shallow breaths as my heart spreads across my chest a place to finally call home; yet all I could think about was you.

Bio: I am 24-year old Financial Consultant based in London. My poetry has been published in the University of Surrey’s “Stag Magazine”, whilst I have had exposure from entering various UK based competitions. I have recently finished compiling my first book of poetry tilted “On Sundays”, which centers on the concept that we are all connected.

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Name: Tom Tom Utum

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

THE SOLDIER'S CONFESSION we are Soldiers running miles and lanes in furnace of war, with our dreams locked up in nightmares. we witness the marriage of bullets and bodies, dance to the hip hop music of the grenade and attend to the bold verbose speech of the rifle. but with our dreadful stories of how there are no lawns after battle, of how we never stop hearing the screams of war, of the mundane smile on a mother's cheek - though Soldiers, we honour peace than our rifle.

Bio: A poet and spoken word artist whose love for poetry have seen him performed on different platforms and conferences. Currently, I am a law student at Obafemi Awolowo University Ile- Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. 370

Nahed Hashem Syria 371

Name: Nahed Hashem

Gender: Female Country: Syria

Poem: "Oh Peace!"

"No longer mourn for me when I am dead" I need thy mercy and bliss in days of pains I have been waiting for you since a decade waiting as a thirsty person lost in deserts my homeland waits your energetic hand to heal people from the panic and curses of the savage foreigners occupying the land who preach hate and advocate for the gangs I know for sure one day you will come! to help us get out of our dark labyrinth, and lead us by the light of thy wisdom, to the roads of hope and the right path, to the world of tolerance and freedom, and happiness to wretched of the Earth

Bio: Nahed T. Hashem is a Syrian independent researcher and translator. Nahed holds M.A in English literature from Damascus University. Hashem is the translator of The Dirty War on Syria (2016), and Edward Said: A Critical Introduction (2017). Nahed has some unpublished literary writings and some published papers. 372

Name: Dayo Ayilara

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: HAPPY AGAIN

I want to see you happy again Lending a smile to the sun Teaching your laughter to the pattering rain Before it's gone Pretending we never said any hurtful word For I just want to see you happy again You bet I never saw a rose sweeter than your bud Teaching your laughter to the pattering rain When hopes in flood and dreams in grains, Our concrete love language shattered in the sun I'll be just fine when I see you again, Happy, long after our feud is done.

Dayo Ayilara

Bio: Dayo is a lawyer, thinker and loves intellectual challenges. He hails from Kwara, Nigeria. A lover of music and meditation, books and coffee. One who prefers dark and quiet room to sunlight. He is inspired by trees and flowers. He writes from his heart

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Joy Silas Nigeria 374

Name: Joy Silas

Gender: Female Country: Nigeria

Poem: Peace is the dangling of the beads on Adanne's waist as she dances with her soul on her toes; It is the different coloured bodies in the sun captured in oneness. Of the days of sobriety, of innocence when Mama's voice rang through the thatched house; and the children's pearly laughter rang through the neighborhood. Of days when there were no tribal, ethnic or religious wars. and Mama's voice would sing me a lullaby to sleep forgetting the worry which tugs at my stomach; the pangs of hunger because tomorrow promises to be better. Write me a story of a better today, when like droplets, kindness builds to make an ocean of peace., a better place for the forgotten. Let's come; let's make that happen; You and I.

Bio: My name is Joy Silas Imeh. I am passionate about a lot of things And writing happens to be one of them. I love to write, anytime, anywhere, any day even if that means writing on my toes.

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Fen Shields United Kingdom

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Name: Fen Shields

Gender: Non-Binary Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Call the Navy! Send the boys to sea! To the seas to sea. Row out my sons!

Flee to foreign flowing waters where fears float free! Dig! Dig and bring back my sticky sweet currency. Forego ferocious fights on foreign mud, Leech off of lands, leave low trenches drenched in blood. Out at sea. In the seas. In the see.

And I (am) anxiously awaiting your arrival. For you I would cross the ocean. The oceans? The ocean.

Bio: My taken name is Fen. I am a non-binary photography student. I grew up in England and study in Wales. I’ve had a keen interest in poetry while growing up and use it as an alternative creative outlet to my photography. I’m excited to be part of this collection of work - there’s so much anger, the world could really use some peace. Together is the only way forward. 377

Samanvitha Oruganti Canada

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Name: Samanvitha Oruganti

Gender: Female Country: Canada

Poem: Hearts-ease (Peace of mind!)

The flesh, bones and skin doesn’t make us kin, the beating heart unite the humans within but supremacy of rich, religion and race has a glitch that overpowers the humanistic trace. This vile chase for predominance destroys harmony along with compassion and faith like an ace. Wide spread protests, teargas revolts and bullets are not the game changers, but what is? The answer lies not in guns but in roses. The abundant power of love and light overcomes the voodoo of hatred and loathe upright. The chaotic world needs a tranquility of peace and treaty of humanity for heart’s ease.

Bio: A strong believer of the quote "Be the change you wish to see in the world" by Mahatma Gandhi. I strive hard every day to bring out the best in me to help people around me. My passion for writing comes from the very reason and also it lets me express better by letting me explore my inner self. It is like finding inner peace.

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Name: Monisha Raghunath Dasappa

Gender: Female Country: India

Title of Poem: A Peace Pondering

Poem: Sat still seeking serene and somnolent seclusion, Conferring callous cues into chaotic confusion, Of Eirene and Athene, Virgil's olive in Aeneid, Sepulchres to Noah's to Picasso's modernized need, Freya to Druids, hanging mistletoe in doorways, Iris, a bridge, a rainbow flag that said pace, 'Down with weapon', through La Louviere, Replaced red poppy with white, to be fair, Luck or last of life spent folding paper cranes, Waging wars, agitated in arms, flocking to fanes, If prolific peers to persevere in peace, ponder Boon of brotherhood is to breach every border.

Bio: This is Monisha Raghunath Dasappa, from India. Currently pursuing medicine in a Deemed University. Passionate about more of poetry and less of prose. From pepping boring classes with words that rhyme, to pouring out whatever weighed her heart down, writing has always been her escape.

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Name: Isis Neumann

Gender: Female Country: United states

Title of Poem: Lack of interference

Poem: We don’t hurt but we don’t help each other Abandonment rings stronger than peace If you are not hurting me Why do i feel hurt? I’m trying to stay afloat But my head keeps going under People stand around watching No one is killing me But they are letting me die We all credit ourselves as being peaceful Through lack of interference Though be definition true, It’s not always enough

Bio: I was born at a small ashram in Virginia. My family moved around the state a lot, changing schools and houses. I graduated two years early, started college and moved in with my boyfriend. My calling to travel overcame me and I left. Since then, I’ve been hitchhiking all over the united states. My life is just a constant search for myself and my place in this world. 381

Kudakwashe Chirapa Zimbabwe 382

Name: Kudakwashe Chirapa

Gender: Male Country: Zimbabwe

Title of Poem: Love, Unity and Peace

Poem: Three siblings that bring the world together, Without them we all falter, Love each other say the Potter. Love drives us like a motor, Where there is peace there is order, Unity is our water. Love, Unity and Peace forever.

Bio: Kudakwashe Chirapa was born in Harare, Zimbabwe in 2000. He loves writing poetry and short stories though he has never been published. Currently, he is studying Actuarial Science at the University of Zimbabwe.

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Name: Jenia Xaviera

Gender: Female Country: Indonesia

Title of Poem: Amidst The Beads of Love

Poem: This silence is not a silence But it is a love full of silence Not made, however, it exists In every human soul

This crowd is not a crowd It is a peace A symbolic form of adoration at the end of each street Waiting for the rains to fall upon the coppers in vengeance

Amidst the beads of love is a miracle That God sent a man as a manifestation of love and compassion In a man who runs a life; Love

Bio: My name is Jenia Xaviera Born: Indonesia, 13 June 1998 My dream is become a politic

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Name: Dr. MantrI Pragada Markandeyulu

Gender: Male Country: INDIA

Title of Poem: PITY, PITY, PITY. Poem: I see East, each time tsunami. View at. West, every time quake. Am against War and Bomb. Need Global Peace and Harmony || Rulers to get people Peace. Don't go for War, People lose life. No War Crimes, Peace accord best. Peace is Wise, No War, No War. || Food and Shelter Foremost Need. Villages adopt, Villages to develop. Villages pretty, Children Pretty. Each is Great, who works for Peace. || Great, Mankind is Great. Happy, everybody be Happy. Bio: Dr. Mantri Pragada Markandeyulu, is a retired officer in Government organization. He is a Poet, Novelist and Story and Songwriter. He has 21 books with ISBN code. 85 eBooks at kdp.amazon.com. He is from Hyderabad (India)

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Ulasi Tochukwu Christopher Nigeria

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Name: Ulasi Tochukwu Christopher

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Title of Poem: To Live Again

Poem: Darkness died in us When the sun rose And sat on our heads Like our thinking caps. We craved to live again, In spite of our past pain. We tore down our world Of envy and discord, And built an awesome Bridge of freedom For all and sundry To soar high in the sky.

Bio: I'm a native of Okpuno Otolo in Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State, Nigeria. I'm a university degree holder. My poems have featured in journals and anthologies. I'm published in other literary genres. I also write movie script s.

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Name: Cynthia Mitchell

Gender: female Country: United States

Title of Poem: Why No Peace?

Poem: In this day and age, through years of rage, I want to be able to mark on my page "Peace on Earth

Bio: I am a 56-year-old adventure seeker athlete I want the world to have peace maybe through my writings God

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Name: Sabrina Rubin

Gender: Female Country: Bangladesh

Title of Poem: Wish for Peace

Poem: I am writing today That I am not feeling inside, Peace! Where is mankind? Naked criticism for you Yes, we are vagrants from here to there Inner struggles are there War, bullet, cry, rape, child abuse Guilt’s are in my brain Suffering a lot of this pain Don’t let the world cry Don't let the dove die Where is serenity? Path of beautiful lagoon Where destiny welcomes Surrender soul for humankind No anger, no jealously Walk in this radiant way 389

Live in love and harmony Spread your hand for victims Raise your hands for victory...

Bio: I am Dr. Sabrina Rubin from Bangladesh. I am a physician by profession and love to write poetry. I have published one book named "LIMITLESS LOVE" I got so many certificates from online for my poetry and one bronze recognition for my love lyrics in checked autumn festival yalta 2019 Russia. Sabrina Rubin

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Name: Xavier Pimentel

Gender: Male Country: United States

Title of Poem: A World Without Peace

Poem: What is the world Without peace inside? A horrible place To live and abide

A place without honor Goodwill and health Bereft of gratitude Compassion or wealth

Make a bridge with another So that peace will reign And violence be forgotten In this world again

Bio: I am an aspiring poet from Spring, Texas. I strive to write daily and whenever I have the free time to do so. I have not published any of my works as of yet. I hope to bring joy and peace into the world with some of my words and poetry.

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Name: Līva Jaunciema

Gender: Female Country: Latvia

Title of Poem: Sometimes in a dream

Poem: It’s lying with my face to the sky Feet soaking in the seawater I want to be warm forever With a breeze of wind And to breathe so That air fills me up And tastes like summer afternoons My mind filled by nothing Only peace like a soft cloud Pilling up inside me.

Bio: Līva Jaunciema is a writer and artist from Latvia who loves beautiful things, old buildings and is constantly trying to figure out people and existence itself. She's probably having an existential crisis right this moment!

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Name: Kirsty McCrear

Gender: Female Country: Scotland

Title of Poem: Together We Stand

Poem: Hand in hand we stand; Raising our voices Over the fog and the smog. Shouting; “there is no planet B” Don’t let us live in the world that we foresee.

Hand in hand we stand; as trees fall down, down. Demolishing the wood where beauty once stood Stewardship is what we must aim for It is our forest we must restore.

Hand in hand we stand; as animals slip out of existence. They hunt and grunt, we fight with all our might But they’re greedy, and pompous with what they harm With no care for alarm, unwilling to disarm.

Bio: As an 18-year-old in a world where the planet is dying and where people in charge don't answer our pleas, I think it is in togetherness that we will find action; with more voices we are louder, with more hands we are stronger. The fight for peace will be hard, and grueling, but together we can make our voices heard, and help our planet survive.

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Name: Grace Lowth

Gender: Female Country: England

Title of Poem: White Flag

Poem: Gone is the symbol of everything good in the world, Those who never saw it doubt it even came, And why should they not. I was told it flew above once or twice, long ago now, Powerfully proud and majestic. I bet it looked pale and sickly. It was not for peace but an old tradition, expectation that was so impure and hardly noticed that now it has withered away. Great battles birthed this fine symbol of flickering white in the wind, Its wavering strength now wavering weakness, not carried by the wind but carried away by it. Sometimes I gaze at the battles today, The every-day ones, The personal ones, The impersonal ones. Where is our uniting symbol of hope, not masked by different tongues, not doubted by any? I do not see it.

Bio: I have written this poem in order to contest the ways in which the modern world is disunited even when the common goal is peace. Social media has reduced our ability to perceive common ground and shared love. Conflict permeates these platforms as people are oblivious and petty, ignoring real conflict outside this threshold between the virtual and real worlds. 394

Name: David G Herring

Gender: Male Country: United Kingdom

Title of Poem: Koan

Poem: A buddha’s laughter woke me up today just like a fountain suddenly released. Your body’s warmth half-tempted me to stay, but then I heard more laughter from the east. It was the sun’s full-bellied burst of fire; it was Namyo hō Renge Kyō; it was a wind-borne melody of lyre; it was Namyo hō Renge Kyō. You lose the will to be a single soul. You lose the possibility of speech. You find yourself. You are perfected, whole. You face each other in a zone of peace. A buddha’s laughter woke me up at dawn, She wonders if I’d like a quick kōan...

Bio: David Herring’s writing-desk looks north-west over the Stour valley (Dorset, United Kingdom) from a ridge frequented by seagulls and crows. His work explores the space between glyph and grapheme, the knoll and the null, bath-time and bathos. He publishes his work on a monthly basis via Patreon.

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Durre Sameen Anwar United Kingdom 396

Name: Durre Sameen Anwar

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Title of Poem: A Pathway to Peace

Poem: A smile and a warm embrace A greeting from one to another A helping hand and sharing a meal A grateful heart An act of kindness A word of goodness A mother’s love unconditional A happy family; mutual understanding A prayer and a gift A feeling of joy A goal for humanity O soul that’s free! – return to the true Source A state of being; unity Rest in peace

Bio: I am a mother of four children aged 1 to 10 years old, residing in England. Promoting peace through any form of work is my passion as I strive to create and find peace in our busy life. My poem reflects thoughts of how everyone can find inner and outer peace through their benevolent actions. 397

Name: Vesela Flamburari

Gender: Female Country: Bulgaria

Title of Poem: Beauty of freedom

Poem: The swallows fly anachronically, painting black and white clouds in the vast sky. The salty water of the sea is colored green. The pine forest breathes rhythmically. A human being is free.

Bio: Vesela Flamburari is a children's book author. National award Petya Karakoleva(Bulgaria) National award Konstantin-Konstantinov (Bulgaria) National Fantasy's award (Bulgaria) Nomination in world fantasy's competition Petersburg Russia.

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Timothy Michael DiVito United States

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Name: Timothy Michael DiVito

Gender: Male Country: United States of America

Title of Poem: "A Change for Peace"

Poem: For if humans are truly to survive, there must be a thoughtful serenity. If we are to keep mankind's hope alive, there must be a new peaceful destiny. No more bombs, no more wars, just open doors to the hearts of mankind's humanity. On the hope of freedom wings of change soar, we must delete our human vanity. If we want there to be new tomorrows, we have to be more civilized today. Or there will be nothing but sweet sorrow, with a few memories and far away. The climax of God's majestic blue sphere, with no shedding of compassionate tears.

Bio: Hello my name is Timothy Michael DiVito and I am a 58-year-old poet from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I have been writing poetry since I was 15 years old. I have approximately 14,000 poems written. The subjects range from humanity, love, to nature and peace. This is a great opportunity to be a part of this magnificent project for peace. Thank you so much.

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Name: Karine Lesperance

Gender: Female Country: Canada

Title of Poem: Blue

Poem: War is a universal truth and world peace is but a dream... Calm, serenity, silence, joy, it never lasts A storm's always but a short breath away War is what stays in history books What is talked about in schools What changes the world in the most brutal of ways And is constantly present somewhere Be it full scale or mundane as whose turn it is to do a chore It never fails to come and leave its marks And although we all want peace we can always expect war It's ever present simmering, waiting to come out at anytime Still we hope that peace is never too far behind And maybe, one day, the dream will become a reality One can only hope... and dream...

Bio: Since this is a bio I should probably talk about me... I honestly do not know what to say except; I'm at least 99.8% human (according to 23 and me...) I live in the Milky Way, most precisely on Earth. Shocking, I know. I have hobbies, passions and dreams... What else is there to say? I'm simply me...

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Name: Bobbi Thomson

Gender: Female Country: Scotland

Title of Poem: Peace Be with You

Poem: Peace is the shaking of hands, black and white, man and woman. A gun being lowered, a life being spared. Clean water, caressing every soul’s mouth. A ceiling to look at as you drift off, a hot meal to wake up to. Holding the door, To allow the wheels that carry you through. The rainbow that unites a nation, two hearts beating as one. Peace be with you.

Bio: This poem is a tale of the broken world. I identified struggling demographics and gave them hope. A positive and peaceful spin on a world with much darkness.

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Heather Smith Spain 403

Name: Heather Smith

Gender: Female Country: Spain

Title of Poem: Peace

Poem: Peace

When the firing is over And you, me and them See each other, See the shared moon, The flower in cracked cement And smell the sea brine Over the stench of petrol. When the fighting is over And you, me and them Kiss the tears of fear From swollen eyelids And cross together To the river of silence Patiently awaiting us.

Bio: I am a 69-year-old Englishwoman who has lived in Mallorca, Spain for 50 years. I have a degree in Spanish philology and an MA in Creative Writing from Oxford Brookes University. 404

Since retiring from my work as a teacher of English, I dedicate my time to writing and reading. Last year I published my first book of poetry: Poems of Joy and Melancholy. (Ars Poetica)

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Name: Kate Conway

Gender: Female Country: United States

Title of Poem: Yarn of Peace

Poem: Cross legged, chin to sun, forehead to the applauding leaves, green and obedient to the will of the wind. My heart push pinned into a map, yarned to hearts in regions that I can only wonder at the color of their Earth. Places and people, structures and rubble and crimes that could feel fabled if not for the tug of their strings vibrating through me. My lungs fill to stillness. I hold it there, this breath, this wind, these ripples on the water. I hold it out of hope that I may reverberate this frequency to the other end of the yarn, if not but for a moment. Hold it until my lungs burn hot, my exhale pushing past the leaves, causing an ovation.

Bio: I am just a mom, with a poet’s soul, that hopes for a better world for her kids and her kid’s kids. This is my first submission and couldn’t think of a worthier beginning of trying to share my thoughts, hopes and perspective than having the honor of being published in a book of Peace.

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Name: Lucas Zulu

Gender: Male Country: South Africa

Title of Poem: White Poppy

Poem: The white poppy, a gentle flower I admire her serenity in the midst of so much chaos always troubled but a reek of violence. The smell that spells more trouble and gives a big clap of thunder to pinch a piece of joy and peace of mind. As her lily-white clash with rubicund. She’s more zephyr than a whirlwind and bring a sun to people’s faces. She always oozes forgiveness her presence commands respect, it doesn’t kill her to apologize, perhaps that’s what keep her calm. She never bears any thorn against any wasp that stung her. She appreciates each and every ant around her even though some are pest. She never changes her colour where ever you see her standing she always says "no more war"

Bio: Lucas Zulu is a South African poet, writer whose work is scattered around the world. You can google his poems for further reading or write to him [email protected]

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Name: Grace Theodoly

Gender: Female Country: England

Title of Poem: White Flag

Poem: Gone is the symbol of everything good in the world, Those who never saw it doubt it even came, And why should they not.

I was told it flew above once or twice, long ago now, Powerfully proud and majestic. I bet it looked pale and sickly. It was not for peace but an old tradition, expectation that was so impure and hardly noticed that now it has withered away.

Great battles birthed this fine symbol of flickering white in the wind; Its wavering strength now wavering weakness, not carried by the wind but whisked away by it. Sometimes I gaze at the battles today, The every-day ones, The personal ones, The impersonal ones. Where is our uniting symbol of hope, not masked by different tongues, not doubted by any? I do not see it. Bio: Grace Lowth is an amateur writer, working mainly on short stories in order to help her reflect upon her thoughts and feelings. She has written this poem in order to contest the ways in which the modern world is disunited even when the common goal is peace. 408

Elliot Howard-Spink United Kingdom

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Name: Elliot Howard-Spink

Gender: Male Country: United Kingdom

Title of Poem: Offering a gift to my mother aged Twenty-Four

Poem: For nineteen years I scrambled and piled these bricks to form a buttress that would fortify a waning facade. Yet today you witnessed that wall cascade each stone falling mute and bellicose. In the rubble of my secret and my shame I stood with cheeks flushed to match the staining of your eyes, both swirling pink with the evening - before rain.

You have seen the men come and go and you have seen me throughout wearing gaudy shirts and flamboyant pants and an average truth as bald and as simple as my body on the day we met. For five years I have let you gaze upon me – expectant, yet you have looked on unastonished, and warm, like the sun. Today rosy eyes will see me play my stones to rest.

Bio: As a student of Zoology at the University of Oxford, I am deeply captivated by the behaviours of humans and animals, and lose most of my time attempting to better understand the exploits of both. Outside of my studies, I am a fierce extrovert, enthusiastic dancer, and loyal friend, and can be found at my happiest in the company of others.

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Name: Meg Dolan

Gender: Female Country: Australia

Title of Poem: No More Wars, we are One

Poem: No More Wars, we are One

Let us this new year remember We are One Let us Unite Let us hold hands rather than sit alone Let us ensure there are No more Wars we can unite with or without a name with or without a colour with or without a sex with or without a religion with or without a political persuasion with or without good health with or without a house with or without our teeth with or without our smiles with or without our love 411

with or without material wealth with or without literacy with or without marriage with or without our limbs we can unite with our kindness we can unite with our love we can unite with our hearts we can unite with our brains we can unite with our empathy we can unite with our care we can unite with our tolerance we can unite with our understanding we can unite with our joy we can unite with our inclusion we can unite with our sharing we can unite with our vulnerability we can unite with our belonging we can unite with shared trust we can unite with loving nature for she gives we can unite by standing tall and holding the hands of others we can unite by a rainbow of colours nature provides us we can unite by facing the stars, dreaming, letting go we can unite by sharing resources of all the different kinds we can unite by imagining softness when faced with harshness 412

we can unite by changing our language to a softer version we can unite by letting all criticisms go we can unite by saying yes we can unite by allowing space to ourselves and others we can unite by caring deeply we can unite by sharing hope we can unite by sharing wonderment we can unite by always moving forward we can unite through forgiveness we can unite by resting in the humble patina light of Mother Earth who has given her womb, her mighty soul, to you. we will feel this unification when we sit together cooling red sunsets of hate removing nerve-gases of destruction filling hearts with love who only know weapons of defense soothe our pained with honey-milk and rose petals we can do this by being brave holding each neighbour in reverence fears be gone, hands and hearts unite, today tomorrow and beyond

Bio: Meg is an author of a self-published poetry book Story: Reflective Poetry (2017) and is a new writer of children’s books. Meg has a number of poems published to journals in the USA, Australia UK and Canada. 413

Name: Sufficient Ninsiima

Gender: Female Country: Uganda

Title of Poem: Unless you've witnessed it.

Poem: Unless you have witnessed it.

And there they lay Bordered by mostly but fences Enclosed enough not to interrupt A nearby nursery, garage and homesteads

And there they still lay As they were laid before, laid after and will continue to be laid The silence they give off That brings about the peace that comforts the competition

That which is not caused by trees growing amidst But by the increased number of deaths Death which is only fate but rarely sought Death that is at least most natural, mostly by inapt uncertainties

Leaving the fortunate lives, 414

At the mercy of God and increased life threatening productions. Bio: I am Sufficient Ninsiima, a nineteen-year-old Ugandan. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Law at Cavendish University, Kampala-Uganda. I am passionate about writing since it gives me a peace of mind.

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Name: Manasa kandula

Gender: Female Country: India

Title of Poem: Peace of mind

Poem: In a place where exists hostility, It ruins the state of tranquility. Anger, rage & wrath in tons, Can destroy peace all at once. Stress & tension all do face, How we balance it, is our grace. Fear or problems occur along, One should learn to be steady & strong. Peace of mind isn't so hard to achieve, The way you react is what you receive. Have a control on your inner soul, Stop, think and act as whole. Spread the love & care surround, Happiness & cheer you'll see around.

Bio: This is Manasa Kandula and my favourite hobby is writing poems. Started to write since childhood. Have been appreciated for many and been awarded as best creative writer in college.

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Name: Monisha Raghunath Dasappa

Gender: Female Country: India

Title of Poem: A Peace Pondering

Poem: Sat still seeking serene and somnolent seclusion, Conferring callous cues into chaotic confusion, Of Eirene and Athene, Virgil's olive in Aeneid, Sepulchres to Noah's to Picasso's modernised need, Freya to Druids, hanging mistletoe in doorways, Iris, a bridge, a rainbow flag that said pace, 'Down with weapon', through La Louviere, Replaced red poppy with white, to be fair, Luck or last of life spent folding paper cranes, Waging wars, agitated in arms, flocking to fanes, If prolific peers to persevere in peace, ponder; Boon of brotherhood is to breach every border.

Bio: This is Monisha Raghunath Dasappa, twenty something, from Bangalore, India. She is pursuing her undergraduate degree in medicine from Sri Devaraj Urs University of higher education and research, Karnataka, India. Having read all of Shakespeare's works, she has always been drawn to archaic words and literary devices. She hopes to augment her writing enough to call herself MS Caroline Rosario's protégé, someday.

419

Eileen Casey Ireland

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Name: Eileen Casey

Gender: Female Country: Ireland

Title of Poem: The Poet as Peacemaker

Poem: The Poet as Peacemaker

They fought and bled on battlefields and yet Sassoon and Brooke blazed against war, in verse. Knew truth and lie to be ill-matched, ill-met, That peace flames in truth, not rhetoric terse. Men who wage war raise high the coward’s sword To leech vainglory from untimely death. These evil deeds become the coward’s hoard In hatred stored. More evil they beget. Come poets, renew the powers of peace, To beacon truth where falsehoods are to blame. So bleakest hearts some comfort can release All hurts to heal where peace has been defamed. Come poets, blaze the name of peace in verse. Let words of truth give comfort and redress.

Bio: Eileen Casey: I'm an Irish poet and my work is published widely in major anthologies and has won national and international awards. 'Berries for Singing Birds' (Arlen House), my fifth 421

poetry collection came out in October, 2019. I've also had a number of poetry in public places installations, including 'The Jane Austen Sewing Kit', 'Writing Fire, Reading Flame' and 'Seagulls'. I've received a number of bursaries and arts awards.

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Name: Baciu Laura

Gender: Female Country: Romania

Title of Poem: Among races

Poem: They were fighting for generations On the seas, in jungles On earth, up in the air Races couldn't stand with each other And gods knew it wasn't fair Then came the call for space They went away Leaving Big Blue Marble with one race A forgotten one that lived in peace...... I know it because I have ancestors there......

Bio: I am a young person in love with poetry, essay writing and scientific research in Social Sciences. I graduated from college in 2019 and now I am trying to get a job in domains like public administration, human resources or research. I started write poetry in high school, I also write poems about people I know, they read them and then they look at me......

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Name: Beth Hawdon

Gender: female Country: United Kingdom

Title of Poem: Sense of Sand

Poem: And maybe I am nothing more Than the silky sand between my toes Or the smell of a salty sea A myriad of sensations For a moment so real And then gone.

But because I can dream And see beyond these senses And hear the world calling Begging for mercy And when I sense her pain Only then am I real.

Bio: I was born in Ethiopia and lived through the revolution there. I moved to Kenya and then on to university in California. After working as a scientist for fifteen years to support my windsurfing habit, I became a mother to two beautiful girls. Now I am a windsurfer, writer, activist, water spirit. I live on an island off the coast of England.

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Name: James Morrison

Gender: Male Country: United Kingdom

Title of Poem: The New Leaf

Poem: The New Leaf

You are fresh juice and sunlight of a morning honey in coffee toasted whole-wheat bread at night you tell me tales of mystery exotic places exist where you are.

You heal the broken wing of the dove to give peace a chance.

Bio: My poetry and stories have been published in various magazines, stories read on radio. I’ve had three books published.

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Name: Jahid Shah

Gender: Male Country: United States of America

Title of Poem: Soldier

Poem: Soldier

When I was born, gun was as of my height But because of you, I learned to fight First, second wars are gone and third, you can’t hide Was it finished even after we died? Does anyone ask about our children and wife’s? Does anyone see into our eyes? Let’s bring peace piece by piece and stand side by side Instead of making more lines and borders so tight I love my country and she is a mother to me How attacking other's lands are pride Don’t know what to do how to stop the shouts Whom to blame and whom to doubt Usually, my surrounding is red, one day I would be too To enjoy the beautiful colors of life do I have the right? Isn’t it the time to give each other hugs? And change the world flag from black to white. 426

We will be complete together with love and celebrations Isn’t it important to make the doors of heart little wide? Can’t find more words to tell but just dreaming of peace To share the pain and gain under the same light

Bio: I am Sayed Jahid Shah Banoori, a diplomat from Afghanistan in Washington D.C, USA. every day our soldier die fighting for peace and the blind leaders and cruel criminals still don't care about their sacrifices and fight even though it meaningless. the poem is about a soldier tired of war and seeks and dreams for peace.

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Name: Devaki Jayal

Gender: Female Country: India

Title of Poem: Peace in Our Time?

Poem: The worst part of The blood-shed The wars Caused by egos that have been fueled By minds brimming with kerosene Is that The 10-year-old girl who lived down the street Toothy grin, whip smart Was walking to school when the bomb fell. And there was no funeral because There wasn’t anything left to bury. You might remember her name if I told you but Not if there were millions like her And there are.

Bio: I am a 17-year-old student at a school in New Delhi... Because I love literature so much, I decided I had to give in a poem. As a student of an international school, I feel very strongly about peace, coexistence and acceptance, and what better way to channel social commentary than through the arts?

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Name: Bi Bi Butul

Gender: Female Country: India

Title of Poem: O peace O peace where will I get you

O peace O peace where will you get me. Since many years I am searching you Do you know who am I? I am helpless mother who badly in need of peace. My children are fighting and racing in armaments with each other. But they don't know they are one and it causes them only. O peace I know I lost you please come back and unite my children with peace. I am worried of my children and their family but not my children about me. O peace o peace where will I get you. My only source to survive is peace. My clothes are stained with blood of my children who have been killed by own children. Every day I am dying and dying to see the barriers on me o peace where are you. Before my dead my last wish to see my children be uniting with love and integrity. O peace please tell me peace. Will you fulfill my last? O peace please speak peace where should I get you.

Bio: I keenly desire to live my fullest my country is my family and other countries in the world are my relatives. I want to make everyone happy

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Name: Francis Scullion

Gender: Male Country: United Kingdom

Title of Poem: Someone Somewhere

Poem: I was a child. I remember well When Dad told Mum the world was goin’ to Hell. Somebody in Dallas had just shot JFK. I can still feel the fear running down my spine As I held her hand and she squeezed mine. She said Lord save us all. Then we knelt to pray. She said Lord save us all. Then we knelt to pray.

You know nothing’s changed, we hear it every day As the world goes to Hell in another affray. Someone somewhere dies in a terrible way. Ah to heck with it all, we’ve heard it all before, The imminent threat of a nuclear war. Someone somewhere dies in a terrible way.

Bio: In 2018 Francis had a poem published in Reaching for Mercy. Proost Poetry Collection 2. In 2019 Francis along with his wife Geraldine, were winners of the RTE Storyland Short Film Screenplay Competition. The script was produced as a short film called "A Deal's a Deal" in 2019 by Wolfhound Productions.

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Name: Devshree Tiwari

Gender: Female Country: India

Title of Poem: Let the unseen be unseen

Poem: Let the unseen be unseen…

Let the unseen be unseen. Let the untouched be untouched. The mountain top needs not to be reached The forests need not to be searched.

With the mighty wings of the great lone bird Let the sanctity prevail in those heavenly canyons, Under the meticulous surveillance by those acute eyes Let the sight be secluded, let the flight be intimate.

Let the footprints belong only to the resilient hoofs Leaving no trail to follow the un-walkable path. Leave the marine in ocean, leave the wild untamed. Let lungs breathe air, not smoke Let fishes leap, not choke.

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End the covetous chase to see everything Instead look within Its thicker than forests, deeper than seas.

Let’s invent the familiar, let’s discover the known To acknowledge what we have, to cultivate what we've stored.

Experiment on inventions, venture normalcy Bulldoze the boundaries, drill wells of humanity.

Let the unseen be unseen Let the untouched be untouched. Love what you already have Let’s make life livable.

Bio: A creative freelance writer and a published author of two books. A poetry lover and an award-winning poet. Won three literary awards across the globe. A screenplay writer and a ghostwriter. Revere all forms of arts. An ardent theatre actor and a painter. Worked on diverse writing projects across the globe.

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Name: Samman

Gender: Female Country: Afghanistan

Title of Poem: Again everyone starts to pray

Poem: I see a tired soul through their eye's whatever they hear are full of lies. They beg for peace they see a smile, when they turn around again are mercilessly stroked. Another young boy gets lost for days they find his body on street's laid. The words his mother always feared came to hunt her, she sees her child leaving her a life which is living inside a dreadful cage. Another day the country shakes, they gaze at each other, their lips are pale, searching for headlines once again. Wild bullets create a torching sound, a little girl in the corner is holding her tiny fists tightly, she is afraid. Again everyone starts to pray.

Bio: From a place where dreams get buried alive every day, we still dare to dream. I'm 17 years old. I write stories, scripts, songs, poems and I'm currently working on my book.

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Don Narkevic

United States of America 434

Name: Don Narkevic

Gender: Male Country: United States of America

Title of Poem: "What We Learned"

Poem: What We Learned

I am afraid we have forgotten how often we have triumphed in defeating our own demons. How together we fed the belly of starvation, until the bones rattled loud enough to awaken the human in our humanity. How together we confined color, our complexion, free at last. How together we armed the mendicant one-armed girl with education. How she wrote it all down for us to read, reread, so we cannot say that we forgot.

Bio: Don Narkevic, Nutter Fort, WV, USA. Eyewitness to the last sixty-five years of the search for world peace. Certain in the knowledge that peace begins and ends with you and me. 435

Name: Sophia Ang Yong Zhi

Gender: Female Country: Singapore

Title of Poem: Rise and Falls

Poem: Walls have risen and fallen, meant to protect, guard, defend. But do these walls, keep us in? In thought, heart, and action? Fears of the unknown, keep us afraid of storms. Have heart, neither flight nor fight, and let the walls fall.

Bio: Born in 2002; Loves nature, music, dance, and languages. Currently in Dunman High School, Singapore, Singapore. Studies history, and hopes that the "inevitability" of conflicts as part of human nature becomes evitable. 436

Subj: Physics, Chinese Language and Literature, History, Math Hopes whoever reads this has a nice day. :)

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Name: Simon

Gender: Male Country: Zimbabwe

Title of Poem: The Jew and the Samaritan

Poem: THE JEW AND THE SAMARITAN

In a world of Many nations May we learn to understand That non can survive in isolation But together we stand Tis my ideal wish That a Jew and a Samaritan eats from one dish In the world of so many races All spread in all places May we never judge nor by the appearance, But love and appreciate our difference Tis my ideal wish That colour would not distinguish In a world of riches and poverty Let not the poor be treated like property, But treat the like one of your own For life is hopeless alone 438

Tis my ideal wish That the Jew and the Samaritan eat from the same dish. Bio: I am a 24year old passionate writer from Zimbabwe, currently studying a bachelor of arts in creative writing with the university of South Africa

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Name: Angus Shoor Caan

Gender: Male Country: United Kingdom

Title of Poem: My very own prayer.

Poem: My very own prayer.

Which religious leader should I believe If one speaks true do the others deceive For the sake of peace and the future of man Let one God show face as soon as He can

The Rabbi, the Mullah, the old Pope in Rome Swear on the good book theirs is the tome Others have their own views on it to be fair Think I'll stick to reciting my very own prayer How many more wars in the name of religion? Opposites preaching with chants of derision Tho' I firmly believe there's something up there I'm happy to offer up my very own prayer.

Bio: Agus Shoor Caan is a poet/Novelist/Essayist and resides on the stunningly beautiful West Coast of Scotland. He started writing at age fifty-five and in the almost thirteen years since he 440

has published twelve novels, sixteen poetry collections and two short story collections. Recently, one of his poems,' Dive for your memory' featured in a programme for The Alzheimers Society's Xmas Carol Service. (London).

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Name: Daniele Farah

Gender: Female Country: France

Title of Poem: Racism

Poem: I’ve had my headlights on for what seemed like the entire night, Wide eyed and begging for a coin in a cup, I couldn’t speak nor move a single muscle, Maybe my hazard lights blinded the blind, Maybe this is what success is supposed to look like.

Bio: Born in Beyrouth, Lebanon in April, 1997. I majored in English Literature and Language and I’m continuing my MA in English, Arts and Media, in France. I’ve been writing ever since I was 12, after I would come home from school with no knowledge of what was taught in class and an excessive amount of bullying.

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Timothy Marshal-Nichols United Kingdom

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Name: Timothy Marshal-Nichols

Gender: Male Country: United Kingdom

Title of Poem: Delta Delay

Poem: A desecration of desolations, Disposing of your soul, End it now: strife, strife. A change endures delay, Bring it on: life, life.

A rivalry of rivalries, Spinning out of control, End it now: cease, cease. A change is on its way, Bring it on: peace, peace.

Bio: Timothy Marshal-Nichols doesn't do biography § he was born — allegedly § he was educated — somewhat inconsistently § some say he worked — but only irregularly § he languished — that much is certain § the rest has to happen

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Name: Leela Soma

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Title of Poem: Peace- The Phoenix Mangled, strangled, blood, ink blood red, ink black colours dripping on asphalt tracing strange patterns blood red, ink black fuse -indigo- ripped pages curl up in the smoke, book bindings melt, leather tomes the gilt spines blackened, words lost or are they? like a phoenix rising, the blue-black red-tinged words fly high up in the sky the world over. Al Muttanabbi Streets forge ahead in shiny new pages of white brown, hues, the palette of colours rich as the artists and writers of the world as they birth verses, sketch a new world to replace pain, loss. The shock and awe of love reinvigorates, unites and creates.

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Leela Soma was born in Madras, India and now lives in Glasgow. Her poems and short stories have been published in a number of anthologies, publications. She has published two novels and two collections of poetry. Some of her work reflects her dual heritage of India and Scotland. Twitter: glasgowlee website: leelasoma.wordpress.com

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Name: David Kamoto Phiri

Gender: Male Country: Zambia

Title of Poem: Peace

Poem: Are the things we want more important than who we are? Are we too blind to see the destruction we are causing? Causing hatred amongst our own kind. Kind thoughts, words and actions are what humanity needs today. Today we need to wake up and realize that the world needs peace, Peace should be treasured more than religion. Religion, no matter how different should never lead us into fighting. Fighting should be against climate change, poverty, illiteracy, and diseases. Diseases cannot be eradicated where there is no peace. Peace would help save billions of resources channeled towards waging or quenching conflicts. Conflicts among nations, races and religions owe the world many years of development. Development depends upon unity and peace. Peace is more precious than any mineral rights. Rights of children and women have been violated due to wars. Wars since time in memorial always end in loss of lives, resources and time. Time has come for the world to preach unity and coexistence regardless of our political, regional, religion or any other differences. Differences can always be resolved through dialogue without any bloodshed. Bloodshed itself reveals that we are truly one, don’t we all shed red? 447

Red flag to war, red flag to manufacturing of war weapons, red flag to politics of bloodshed, red flag to religions and cultures that preach violence and anything that disrupts what the world needs most, peace.

Bio: Birthdate; 15 July 1991 Place of birth; katete zambia Nationality; Zambian Primary school; mpezeni park primary school. Secondly school; mambwe high school Tertiary education; Dental training school.

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Name: Mariam Youssayane

Gender: Female Country: Morocco

Title of Poem: Tales of the Weary Land

Poem: Drenched with despair we reach out hands into sunbeams, Praying for the wrinkles of geography to straighten with time. As we lay down on the weary land, Through its veins we heard tales of the bygone Cries of the soldiers and mumbles of the spiritless And as they recount their sorrows we weep of regret. Why would we trade peace for fleeting flashes? of conquest? Our hands may comfort but they cannot efface the agony of the guiltless. Day by day we pile our remorse away and seek repentance that hopefully peace pays us a visit and erases our mayhems.

Bio: Mariam Youssayane is an aspiring writer, currently pursuing her MA in Literary and Cultural Studies in the University of Sultan Moulay Slimane in Beni Mellal, Morocco. With an unceasing for writing and languages, she aims to impact the world one word at a time.

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Name: Jo Larcombe

Gender: Female Country: GB

Title of Poem: Kingfisher

Poem: Kingfisher

I thought I saw you earlier, on the surface of the water. Something dazzled in the light, but now it’s vanished out of sight. It disappeared with all my hopes and fears, taken shelter.

If I look more carefully, for your reflection, I will see, everything that I can be, in your vibrant blues and greens. Is there time for resting, in the comfort of your chamber?

Winds blow me, you show the way. You taught me, of halcyon days. In the calmness of the winter, bitter cold, just moves me on. 450

Bio: I've been a Teacher for the past 20 years both in the UK and abroad and have had the pleasure of working with students from all over the world. I'm also a mum of three teenagers and so to relax, I love to write poetry, music, and perform.

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Name: Albana Selimaj

Gender: Female Country: United States

Title of Poem: This is Peace

Poem: Peace. I am finally accepted for who I am. That is peace.

Peace. I am not afraid to express who I am. That is Peace.

Peace. I am who I am, no matter what. That is Peace.

Bio: Born in the Bronx, New York, Albana is a student that wants to major in poetry. With this, Albana would like to focus on social justice issues regarding racism, islamophobia, and homophobia and use her poetry to inspire others to protest for equality.

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Name: Michaela Coombs

Gender: Female Country: United States

Title of Poem: peaceful stroll

Poem: Walking in the forest near a babbling brook. All has a cast of shadow in this luscious nook. Looking up I see it there, its distinct features sharpened A star it twinkles and shines. Sitting in the forest looking up to them under the cedars and pines. But when they go away the sky is darkened still the moon is able to cast radiant light! The wolves no longer howl the humans no longer fight. I am the sun that casts harsh light everywhere to be found! I am the wind that cools you after a hard day. But everything settles down when I'm not around. For it is the moon, the stars, and the night. That will help you sleep and holds you tight.

Bio: Michaela Coombs is a 20-year-old female from Plymouth Massachusetts United States. Her passion for poetry has led her to join this competition, not only to compete but to promote more world peace. She believes there is never enough awareness and advocacy, so regardless of the outcome poetry and its impact is believed to stay a core part of her life

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Name: Vivian Lee

Gender: Female Country: Hong Kong

Title of Poem: Peace Breaker

Poem: you slice my banner apart I scream you raise your pepper spray canister at my face I raise my arms in defense you point your baton at me I turn on my heel and run you load your pistol I pick up my speed you arrest me for breach of the peace I struggle you shoot I breathe no more beneath the rule of tyranny peace shall be no more

Bio: I fight for one thing I stand with 454

one city be prepared to die for freedom or we die under tyranny

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Name: David Anderson

Gender: Male Country: FR

Title of Poem: together forever

Poem: What is your idea of nationality Is it stuck in some parochial place? Defined by the intent of others Remiss of history and the reality That we all arrived from ancestors Coming from the same place With the same skin and bones Ours is blood shared by everyone Do some digging, some research The archaeology of books will do Some English are Danes, Italians African I am black, I just lost my colour In an ancestral march to time

Now ask yourself, how can we achieve peace? Put yourself in the shoes of others Maybe then, you can open your door Your heart and mind free of the pervasive 456

Political and financial power manipulating you to form the cold, hard opinions that condemn the innocent to life without opportunities Or even worse, to no life whatsoever So give a little here, give a little cheer Challenge those who would speak ill Of brothers and sisters across the earth The world needs our collective effort

Bio: Scots born internationalist with an interest in all things creative and cultural. Husband and father living in rural Brittany and contributing in my own small way to making the world a better place to live in. In awe of all those who change the world in a positive way.

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Name: Ayuni Daniel

Gender: Female Country: Malaysia

Title of Poem: Temper

Poem: Every person may lose with you, You keep making people hurt, Madness in you, Sadness in us, Who try to keep you down?

Peace means nothing to you. Your hateful towards happiness, Causing us to suffer.

Effort to calm you, Was nothing. You choose to upsurge yourself, Without thinking what will happen, To us.

Your time may be short, But every word and actions 458

That comes from you, While you are angry, Can harm everyone, Either in present or future.

You, temper. Kill everyone who loves you.

Bio: Our world really need a leader who will leads us to something even better than now. We should not let our madness harm us and people around us. Our life will be suffering if we keep our mouth closed. Bring peaceful to the world, people.

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Gwammache Paul Nigeria

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Name: Gwammache Paul

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Title of Poem: Tempo

Poem: She’s been moonwalking with the tide Moved by the echoes of her enthusiasm To see how beautiful, the sun rise And the serenity of the home that kept her so alive It was a perfect picture Watching the traders lay spark of happiness Hoping someday their loved ones would trail the light Find longevity in the jaws of time And the world would sink deep into the sky Dine with their minds Away from mines and bombs and guns Far away from Hitler’s circle of failure uncircumcised Where vine of time heals the world

Bio: My name is Gwammache Paul, son of Mr. & Mrs. Michael Gwammache, the eldest among 2 children Studied computer science at the Federal Polytechnic Bida, Nigeria. Lives in Nigeria.

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Name: Alefiya M

Gender: Female Country: India

Title of Poem: A Beautifully Impossible Dream

Poem: I dreamt of a world without nuclear arms, I dreamt of a world without political borders and their qualms. Eternal damnation was no more a reality, No wars were waged in "favour" of humanity. Little girls didn’t cut and die by their own hands, And the devil of rape was no longer in a position to pounce. Tears streamed through my eyes as I woke up to this twisted dance. Storms of fury, Ignited Fires of rage, My fellow men stood bewildered in hope for an epiphany, Delivered by snakes in skin of a sage. My dream of solace turned into a frown, Ataraxis and tranquility Lost their fight to a violent insanity, And yet my dream of peace clung to my skin as it begged to be free.

Bio: Alefiya is currently a business student with a passion for writing. She plans on scaling the world with the strength of her words. When she's not writing fearlessly unique pieces, she devotes her days to intensive reading. She lives in the city of Surat in India. 462

Name: Dr. Junfei Hu

Gender: Male Country: United Kingdom

Title of Poem: Come, let us go

Poem: Every morning, a new day dawns. Everywhere, people welcome the sun. Our hope for peace is never extinguished. Our vision grows stronger. Every morning, a new day dawns so let us spread the seeds of love, and see our hope for peace grow into a tree, a forest. It's time to make changes, From grassroots to towering trees. Come, let us go and welcome the sun once again. Do you know where you are going? Yes, I walk toward the warmth, towards a friendship where peace flows hearts.

Bio: Dr. Junfei Hu, born in Hunan, China on 24th October 1973. I was awarded a PhD from the University of Leeds on 7th September 2010. I published a book with Dr. Michael Williams in June 2018 with title " Life Story, Letters, and Poems of Hope, Love and Peace".

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Name: Esther Vivian Kay

Gender: female Country: Germany

Title of Poem: But they do not know

Poem: But they do not know

One day, not tomorrow, but too soon, they will hug close a child - His mouth. Her eyes. A red child baptized in blood of children who died too young Their tiny girl that sheds limbs like leaves It was summer She loved the shape of his mouth - He loved the life in her eyes He will lose his smile - She will lose her eyesight Because one day, too soon, though they are praying to the same sky their God will have different names and in the name of one the name of the other is erased Three words whispered under the olive tree will become their curse “I love you” in the language of the men that don´t believe in God will equal “I doom you” But they do not know yet The child of cursed parents with limbs falling like leaves will give their God a new name and in Love unite them all

Bio: Esther Vivian Kay is a teacher, journalist and publisher of the interview magazine Lacuna: The Missing Stories. 464

She lives and writes in Berlin, Germany, and despite being wheelchair-bound travels on her own across Europe.

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Name: Mark Kevin Montoya

Gender: Male Country: Philippines

Title of Poem: Peace must be written in our heart

Poem: If there is war, there shall be peace; People must learn the conflicts to cease. In our world; peace is our song, To build unity, to make it strong.

Peace is something we can't buy, It is too much expensive than a sky. A valuable gift for someone, When it is given, it makes us one.

It is not peace until we share, We are shallow until we care. To find the best piece of art, --- Peace must be written in our heart.

Bio: Mark Kevin Montoya also known as 'jovencito de Tarlac' is a Filipino Writer and emerging Poet from the Philippines. He is one of the contributor of the anthology book entitled "LEGACY" by the Poetry Planet (Facebook Group). He wants to bring the pride of Filipinos in the field of Poetry in the world.

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Name: Katherine Oktaviani

Gender: Female Country: Indonesia

Title of Poem: House of Earth

Poem: Fire, thunder, storms Roaring, crying, laughter Panic, manic, boom Heralds, screeching, screaming Armies, cannons, missiles Marches, bullets, bang

When will the waters flow still Beyond the earthly green soils Of the promised lullaby land Of the once glorious "House of Earth"...?

Bio: I'm a college student, studying Computer Science. I love to learn, especially the art of writing. I have been passionate about writing for so long, but have only made a few pieces. I'm inspired by poets like Edgar Allan Poe and Khalil Gibran. I want to be able to spread my message through my writings, as they have done so. Any message about the world, be it the environment or our human nature, I want to be able to tell it in writings. 467

Tunde-Dada Ayotunde Nigeria 468

Name: Tunde-Dada Ayotunde

Gender: Female Country: Nigeria

Title of Poem: MY OPPOSITE OF PEACE

Poem: What is your opposite of peace? My Opposite of peace Is One, when my mum tells me to wash the plates and Hours later, I hear my mum's horn But the plates are still unclean Two, when my sister warns me not to touch her stuff And now i know my friend's dog doesn't like red Evidenced by the bite marks and urine smell On my sister's favourite shoe Three, when I tell my long time crush that I really Like him and he replies with thank you My meaning of peace is Finding the humour in this twenty-four hours later

Bio: I am a 5th year medical student at the University of Ilorin, Nigerian. I love writing and making funny videos It's been long I picked up my pen to write due to hectic school life and now I'm glad I did. I hope you like it

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Name: Malgas Mashego

Gender: Female Country: South Africa

Title of Poem: Mercies

Poem: I. the sirs' mercies have anchored my spirit the sirs' rapturous rays emanate through the murky shadows thread upon the sirs' daybreak dew pierces a continuum of strength birthing an abundant zeal forth the sirs' ascendancy has spewed onto my hope II. graved deeds caged in ancient tombs gathered moles of dust no rot scents lingering of deceased possibilities as now III. peace has attained residency hope neighbours it trust be the ever-pleasant present host love the steward of all harbors the new communion the sir has parted me a portion from the fruits of his spirit

Bio: Malgas, is an artist from South Africa that uses different materials to depict an eccentric narrative between textile textures, paint and nature. To date, her work has been featured in various publications such as the 6th issue of Arkana Magazine, Kalahari Review and Yes Poetry. 470

Breda Joyce Ireland

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Name: Breda Joyce

Gender: Female Country: Ireland

Title of Poem: Murmuration above the Peace Line

I’m. Seamus Heaney As we left Bellaghy that March evening, a slim light threaded the sky before it thickened into a stream of starlings that plunged and rose just above the Moyola river. They meandered in rippling syllables, swapped stray letters, rearranged themselves like some new phrase in one of your poems; words weaving possibilities out of the shadows, demented wings reshaping the light. Like an unresolved chord, they drew close then broke apart again, twisting and tumbling into the twilight, until wanting repose, safe from raptors, they collapsed into the trembling of trees and quieter wings beat softer chimes where hope and history rhyme. Bio: Breda Joyce holds a Masters in Creative Writing from UCC. Her collection Spindrift was commended in the Fool for Poetry Chapbook competition 2020. Her poems have been shortlisted 472

for the Hennessy award, the Anthony Cronin award and in Kinsale Arts Festival 2019. Her poem Free Fall won the Judith Aronson award 2018. Her poems have been published in various literary journals including Skylight 47, The Honest Ulsterman, Crannóg, Bangor Literary Review, Crossways, The Galway Review, and The Quarryman.

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TAK Erzinger Switzerland 474

Name: TAK Erzinger

Gender: Female Country: Switzerland

Title of Poem: Hidden in Plain Sight

Poem: Peace has been forgotten lately so she’s retreated. She hides behind the curtains, alone in the dark like a burrowed mole. She keeps hoping her absence will be noticed.

She knows she’s a lot of work but she wants you to know with a little nurturing her rewards are priceless.

Bio: TAK Erzinger is an American/Swiss poet, artist and teacher with a Colombian background. Her poetry has been published by The Curlew, The Cirrus Poetry Review, The Beautiful Space Journal, The Mojave He[art] Review, The Avocet, The Rising Phoenix Review, I-70 Review and more. Her debut poetry collection entitled, “Found: Between the Trees” (Grey Borders Books 2019) is a chronicle about a life interrupted by mental illness

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Name: Vu Thao Linh

Gender: Female Country: Vietnam

Title of Poem: AWAKEN

Poem: Having lived in a utopia, Surrounded by nature and living creatures, Having stood at the peak of the food chain, Human trapped themselves in bubbles of fantasies. Now it is time the final bell tolled, Glasses are broken and reveries are smashed… Can’t you hear it? Can’t you see it? Chainsaw noises and trees being collapsed... Growling of animals being burnt alive... Heavy breath of human being suffocated… Revenge and anger - Mother Nature is screaming Remorse and despair - Human are praying Tag ourselves as ‘human’, physically and mentally, But deep inside our core is inhumane and rotten...

Bio: Hi, my name is Linh and I'm 16. In my poem, I chose peace with nature as inspiration because to me peace with nature is undoubtedly the closest subject to each of us. I don't use many words related to 'peace' but I think the underlying meaning of my poem speaks everything. I don't hold high hopes that I would get high prizes but hopefully that many people would read my first completed poem. Thank you! 476

Name: Michael C Hansell

Gender: Male Country: England

Title of Poem: Raining Soup

Poem: Is it too late? To rectify the pain and stains as midnights' colossal curtains chime near. Torched with plastic pools and inept fools that blame the sun shining. Buddhist, back, blue, male. Bombarding odd ones out in a sea of oddities. Similar yet different in our own unique way. Is it too late?

Is it too late to prolong our date with fate? No, not yet. But time is of the essence. Only if we hastily collaborate. Coinciding with each other. Disparate yet the same. Loving one another. One body functioning indispensably whole like you, like me. Together in harmony. It’s not too late to see.

Bio: Michael is currently a sixth form student in the UK. When not studying Michael enjoys writing, reading, swimming and over the last year 477

has had a few pieces of work published while participating in the young writers’ poetry escapes, mission chaos and poetry idol competitions.

478

Name: Parneet Jaggi

Gender: Female Country: India

Title of Poem: Lunatic Peers

Poem: Dancing to our own tunes Bonding with beloved peers, Thrown aside by friends and foes We are Hamlets, we are Lear’s. Kings in our own worlds So what our kingdoms are within? We the soldiers, we the rulers, As peace-lovers we win.

Wounds gifted by the world Make us makers of finesse art, Glowing embers inside the pearl Lend us a radiance class apart.

Bio: Parneet Jaggi (b.1975) teaches English in India. She has four collections of poems in English and two research books to her credit. Her poems have been widely published in anthologies and journals. Her name appears in the Directory of Writers in America’s famous magazine ‘Poets and Writers’. She was declared the ‘Poet of the Year 2019’ and ‘Critic of the Year 2019’ by Destinypoets, Yorkshire, UK. She was honoured with the “Star Ambassador of World Poetry” at World Poetry Conference, Punjab (2019). 479

Name: Audrey Michelle Maganyani

Gender: female Country: Zimbabwe

Title of Poem: My mother died, father ran and i was left Poem: Today i could have had both of them, A healthy mother, a father But one chose to take the life of the other. It was like any normal day, fair. The African sun bright as always, I sat on the same spot Where I saw a man axing his own innocent wife to death And fled because of guilt, I was left behind to testify. I am their child.I live to reminisce what could have gone right, A matter could have been discussed, axes don't speak. A life could have been saved, a child raised. My name is Peace, An enemy of gender based violence!!

Bio: My name is Audrey Michelle Maganyani from Zimbabwe. I am twenty years old, a student at Harare Institute of technology. I am very passionate about writing and having experienced a little of what could go wrong when a couple don't agree, I live with an inspiration to do it right. I am a feminist, and given the opportunity i want to be an armor to those women who can't voice out because they are deprived that opportunity, some are even afraid. Peace is not only a word, it’s an inside feeling which is highly effective in creating healthy, violence free environment and because of that this competition is PEACE in itself as it provides the opportunity for us youth to shape our future by expressing what peace is, how we can attain it, how we can achieve it, how we can promote it through uplifting poetry. I am glad to be a part of this wonderful experience; I won't stop until the world is more PEACEFUL. 480

Name: Emma Coppola

Gender: female Country: South Africa

Title of Poem: White Square

Poem: An unblemished beach Of white pebbles, Each a moon - Gleaming and wave-covered.

To take this in Through sense; Touch Taste Sight Sound Sniff.

A telescope to enhance the view. Undo the hinges - Suck it through. No contemplation, Experience a heartbeat plateau. 481

Adorn the beach, Undress the moon. Go forth, and seek out the places of youth’s ballroom. A eunuch is awaiting, To serenade.

Drop the looking glass, Amongst the pebbled bay. And in its place, As the haze is drawn in, Unearth the paintbrush, The pen.

Lean, but do not sway.

Bio: I am an eighteen-year-old from South Africa. I'm currently still in school, but with all my heart I wish, one day, to live like Elizabeth Bishop in a sanctuary, a sphere of nature, poetry, art and all aspects of cultural inspiration. I have been attempting poetry for two years, and I’ve finally decided I would like to share it, which I was unable to do before - confidence is not one of my characteristics.

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Name: Anushree Bose

Gender: Female Country: India

Title of Poem: The Spatula Prayer

Poem: I turn off the television. Dead fish are floating up the river. Acres and acres of forest is charred to cinders as I blink. How will the birds sleep? Animals wail and die. Few escape. Skin singed, face smoked, with absolutely nowhere to be... I will bake cinnamon rolls even as I seethe. Ryan is in school, knitting Koala-mittens. I will make a batch for his mates, and another one for our pit-stop at the firefighters' base.

Bio: Anushree Bose is a clinical researcher who loves to write, read and wonder. She holds a PhD degree in Psychiatry and a Master's degree in Psychology. She is passionate about research on auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia. Penning her sensitivity is her way of unwinding after work. Her writings have published at Berlin Art Parasite, The Elephant Journal, The Wagon Magazine and Spark India. 483

Barbi Marie Gardin Canada

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Name: Barbi Marie Gardin

Gender: female Country: Canada

Title of Poem: Family Peace

Poem: In our family we have: Four x ten, forty fingers between us, Holding, pointing, grabbing so sticky sweet. Four x ten, forty toes between us, Running, falling, not accepting defeat. Four x two, eight eager eyes between us, Seeking adventure and the future bright- Four x one, four happy hearts between us, Beat, beat, beating with all our might. But the families of the world are sand- Grains too numerous to be counted. Yet, they count too, And we must learn how all of our different Pieces can work together to create peace.

Bio: I am a Canadian teacher currently living in Portugal. I believe that literature teaches empathy and empowers us to use our voices for change. When not in the classroom, I can be found at the beach, camping, hiking, forest bathing, or doing yoga and DIY projects. I thrive on being a wife, mother, sister, and friend. Life is simple- always doing your best and be kind!

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Name: Anya Trofimova

Gender: Female Country: England

Title of Poem: open-mouth country

Poem: ‘with the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be satisfied…’ through his unskinned belly as through mine, a bullet would split equally smoothly and you know it like the gun smoke at the home invasion, like the rented room severed by flood, like those pock-marked sweated woodlands and grieving windows and burning tarmac and the burning Amazon, or the phalanx of bronzed soldiers forward flung, or the three classmates plunging wide-eyed into the river’s icy arc – the flags have settled at half mass. on television we are all thieves, even the old woman berefts with a jar of pennies, even the baby’s rattle, mid-fall from uncurling fingers. flanks are an open pulse. the radio man, he sees. he is so afraid, and I can do no other than kneel with the bulwark of shoulders, touch your hand, if outstretched, lay a kiss on your cheek for want of warmth, to ask you back into my home for bread and wish you as much happiness as you can fit in your mouth. didn’t you know, a single miracle can last for weeks in the mouth? sometimes centuries.

Bio: I am a young poet originally from Russia but living and studying in the UK. My passion for writing began in primary school, when I discovered short stories and poetry as a way of preserving the ephemeral fantasy worlds we all make up as children. Since then my writing has been incredibly diverse and published as part of a wide variety of anthologies and competitions, including the Planet in Peril Anthology, Young Poets Anthology and FOYLE Young Poets of the Year Award, among others. I am particularly interested in using poetry as a means to educate people about current issues, such as climate change. In my work I seek to bridge the gap with the 486

natural world through exploring human interaction with our fragile ecosystems and to create a raw depiction of experiences of poverty, famine, disaster and war across the globe. I often draw upon my other interests, such as photography and travelling, as inspiration for my poems.

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Tania Bardsley Australia 488

Name: Tania Bardsley

Gender: Female Country: Australia

Title of Poem: New Earth

Poem: New earth glows so close, it is here, warm and alive It feels like Sunday morning sleep-ins and laughing hard New earth smells like strawberries and freesias and love The epitome of human imagination; visions merging Creating a new mass consciousness; peace Connecting reality with happiness People expressing their personalities like vivid, breathtaking wildflowers Multicultural pot luck lunches, breathing the same air A foundation that children will leap from, soar from The future is radiant, alive and sparkling like diamonds A flowery wreath, like an emblem of planet Terra Grown from big love The connectedness raising everyone higher

Bio: Current student at Curtin University studying Creative Writing Writers Workshop attendee Avid reader of new consciousness writing 489

Name: Peta Williams

Gender: Female Country: Australia

Title of Poem: Lands and hearts so far

Poem: Feel the tremors of my heart As the spirits shake the embers that lay between all our souls And Angels paths. And yet still I cannot move my mind To find A way to you From lands so far and hearts torn apart.

If for one moment, we could bind all our souls to our hearts Then not one more moment we would spend Running in the forests in the dark.

Bio: Published Poet Painter Divorced Animal and human rights advocate Bachelor degree

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Quanisha Patterson Guyana 491

Name: Quanisha Patterson

Gender: Female

Country: Guyana

Title of Poem: The Sovereignty of Peace

Poem: Dawning on the pulchritude of the kaleidoscope of the heavens- deep beyond alienated astronomical anthers, came the beauty of the sun's specialty, spying on the earth as happy as a lark gazing at placid pink panthers.

The tranquility of the earth filled with the rhythm of peaceful souls- caused the weirdly normal moon to kiss the skies and the sun to fade as the love-drunk stars danced, and Peace maintained her reign.

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Bio: I am Quanisha Patterson, seventeen years old due to my birth anniversary being June 10, 2002 and pursuing an associate's of Arts - Law Degree at Bishops' High. I love poetry because it has been my coping mechanism for years and it's now a part of who I am. I no longer exclusively write about my experiences; I now incorporate camouflaged societal issues in my attempt to make a change. I'm also a strong believer that humans share common experiences and if my poetry can extend just one life, I'm fine with that.

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Name: Okereke Anna Obianuju

Gender: Female Country: Nigeria

Title of Poem: Tranquil Poem: Gunshots, explosives like music, all played hate my heart's beat synced with Mom's my ears heard all she heard so after my birth, nothing was heard except the shots the pain from Biafran war clung with scarred memories of pain I remained a prisoner of grief but solace was reborn after the gunshots were heard no more and it became clear this time that peace is made possible when war is dead in us.

Bio: My name is Okereke Anna Obianuju. I am a twenty-five-year-old female from Nigeria and residing in Nigeria. I have a degree in English Language, and I'm presently the office manager of a law firm. Writing is a hobby I hope to never lose touch of.

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Name: Peter Cocker

Gender: Male Country: United Kingdom

Title of Poem: Fanaticism

Poem: The wrath of the gods should never be shaken The gods being people with the power they’ve taken With singular beliefs that are never unshaken They push their views to those who will weaken

Once they are aroused and are fully awaken They build up an army of the godforsaken To fight the world until it’s been overtaken Making the world as we know it forever forsaken

Obliterated once more until it has been retaken For the good of the people and not just the Kraken So, keep the peace and be forever undertaken Never to let, another fanatic waken

Bio: I am 78 years of age. I have recently started writing for pleasure. I have recently completed a short novel "The Mistress of the Moon" and a book "Motivation for Grandchildren “I am at present working "Recollections of War - private memories and thoughts of war". Its purpose to condemn war and promote peace 495

Name: Michael Brigden

Gender: Male Country: United Kingdom

Title of Poem: What Have We Learnt?

Poem: We walk on the land our ancestors trod, A weight of knowledge in our bones, We feel their disconcerted frown, Their peaceful longing known, They look upon the world they saved, The many lessons that they taught, Mistakes in all their vicious glory, Thinking peace at least we'd sought, We are the past, We are the future, This is our chance to show, That their mistakes were just mistakes, That peace we long to know.

Bio: Michael Brigden 'The Ordinary Poet' An amateur writer, A resident of Hessle, England. Currently working in Local Government and writing every day. 496

Name: Amy O Connor

Gender: Female Country: Ireland

Title of Poem: The Garden of Even

Poem: In handfuls I took the dense Irish earth from the grave that I buried you in. And I used it to bloom my own beautiful garden from a rock-ridden plot. One full of hope and creativity. Love and diligence. I fertilised this garden with the tears I spilled for you. It is the fruit of my self-respect. And honey, it is a sight.

Bio: Amy O Connor lives in Cork, Ireland. She studied journalism at university and currently works in communications. She has been and avid fan of the pen for as long as she can remember and has relied on writing poetry as a cathartic way to deal with some difficult life events. Amy's body of work concentrates on the themes of growth, healing and inner-peace.

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Name: Saranya Subramanian

Gender: Female Country: India

Title of Poem: Article 370 Has Been Abrogated

Poem: When Gausia stares at the barbed wires that spring from the earth, from revolutions dead and buried six feet under, she wonders not why they straitjacket her so. Instead, she wonders if they are industrial meshes padded with filter aids, at what temperature they turn into superconductors, or if they can be plucked and experimented upon at the University which she Sees in diamond-shaped pieces through the wires that zig and zag. For while the men in suits may study the wires through the Constitution and Savarkar, the Preamble and Ambedkar, Gausia continues to study the fence through her laminated PhD in Chemical Engineering degree.

Bio: Saranya is a 22-year-old literature aficionado, based in Bombay. She spends her time singing to herself and watching Madhubala videos (sigh). And she writes because, well, it's all that she can really do.

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Name: Justine Mae Pallado

Gender: Female Country: Philippines

Title of Poem: Within

Poem: Daydream, little girl, imagine and feel. Step by step, make it real.

You have always wanted a world, without war, judgment nor unfairness, Lingering anger and sadness, left unharnessed. But how, you asked, do we achieve this? If all the people are divided, by money and status, everyone is blinded. Do we have to fight and win? Do we have to protest, again and again? What is my role? What is my purpose? What is wrong? What is righteous? Terror radiates fear but you are a weapon that it cannot tear. Breathe in, breathe out. Peace comes from within.

Wake up, little girl and see the beauty of the world. It may not be perfect but it isn’t a problem to be solved.

Bio: Justine Pallado is a Filipino Artist who takes pride on her skills and talent on everything creative. She was a finalist on the World Youth Essay Competition last 2018 and have won and judged public speaking contests especially on her college Alma Matter. 499

Aside from writing, she is also an aspiring painter. She has always believed that living life with and doing your passion is the best life you can ever have.

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Name: Bharathi Parameswaran

Gender: Female Country: India

Title of Poem: Known yet unknown, Peace

Poem: Peace, your name is familiar Most sought after in this planet earth. But I reckon that you are different in perceptions and requirements

Everybody speaks about world peace but not many realize how to install it Just as many not knowing what exactly is to be installed.

An artist looks at the landscape and acknowledges the divinity of God's nature In his opinion, he can capture this image of peace on a canvas.

A soldier may yearn for peace as not being forced to display his patriotism But the world around admires his courage and inspires him to continue with the sacrificial attitude. 501

But does his family truly admire the orders given to their loved one, To save the country and forget about his life Saying without saying that his life is more important for the country than his family The householder with challenges galore, Roller coasting within an extremely difficult maze Wants peace to come to him in the form of relief from all challenges faced by his family. But wonder why even he is not able to achieve You, my dear friend, as much as he tolerates and as much as he resolves things one after the other. I spot a cute little baby oblivious to all the madness that the world around in ready to dump on him The little one hardly even knows anything but peace and bliss

Leaders of the world attend summit after summit, Pompously and make excellent speeches on what we should do on escalating peace and de-escalating wars. This has been happening ever since territories were made Ever since leaders came to power Ever since development became a priority and ever since everybody called a civil society 502

as one that strives for peace.

It is so very easy to pronounce you, my friend And fix you in any situation. However, do we all even know whether we are going to actually be able to do things practically, Or earn big accolades and applause for our strong speeches on working towards peace.

Where are you, my dear peace? Can you just take an initiative to spread yourself? on this planet, And not wait for people to bring you to practice? For everybody wants peace but not At all at the cost of stopping development Agreeing to give up arms, negotiate the matters that truly represent compassion and friendship. Maybe some of us genuinely want to be involved in this but are unable to do so because they know they will have to face bouquets as well as brickbats. One man unfortunately can bring war and unrest in the world. But a single man finds it fatal to even try half with in bringing peace across the world.

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O peace, you are so beautiful in perception So challenging to achieve So variable to circumstances And so practically next to impossible.

Bio: Bharathi Parameswaran is a teacher of social sciences. She is a freestyle poet who writes songs to make topics more interesting for others. Living in Chennai with her family, she prefers writing about specifics than the abstract. Her interest in poetry stemmed from childhood and continues to bloom into her 50s now. She is a lover of poetry that rhymes. Though not published in mainstream, her students reap benefit from her poems about history and geography alongside life-lesson rap songs.

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Name: Johnmark Mureithi

Gender: Male Country: Kenya

Title of Poem: Bubbles of life.

Poem: The world now united, In order to make it again, All is muted, As we all gain, From the harmony, Bold as mahogany.

This is a history, That used to be a story, Past has flown, Here being the crown, We now have peace, That used to be pieces.

From the heart, We all accept, It's not an art, Neither a play, 505

We all pray, All will end well.

As I wind, Let the past go with the wind, And have a new start, From the reckless, Having all united, Despite being apples and oranges, We are all one.

Bio: Bubbles of life, I wrote it because of the experience through the society. The family, tribal and diversity quarrels hurts me a lot. That’s why I would like everyone to be in harmony with his/her neighbour.

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Name: Caitlin Neville

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Title of Poem: The Shore

Poem: One, two, three or four Creatures on the Dover shore To take our jobs, then our money To make our children's noses runny

Five, six, seven or more Spread along the southern shore Clawing their war up the sands To infiltrate our local lands

One, two, three or four Migrant bodies on the floor Some may laugh, and many cry All forgotten in days gone by

Bio: In memory of all who have lost their lives attempting to cross the English Channel, seeking refuge and a better future here in the UK. Those who saw them in spite have gained nothing, those who loved them the most, have lost everything.

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Name: Diana Elaine Miller

Gender: Female Country: Scotland

Title of Poem: Restored

Poem: Longed for it Looked for it Needed it for years Screamed for it Fought for it Begged for it through tears Found it in music Found it in art But I couldn’t grasp it long enough To keep it in my heart Then one day it came to me Shook my core and let me see Peace is love, thankfulness, faith and more Live aligned and peace will restore Bio: Diana is a 28-year-old Scottish, Sri Lankan creative. Her largest inspiration is travel. She expresses herself through the mediums of writing, photography and painting.

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Name: Subhojit Kar Gender: Male Country: India Title of Poem: War and Peace

Poem: Guns and missiles, ships, submarines and tanks Nations arming themselves to the teeth Rise of xenophobes, ultra-nationalists Hawks, eagles and vultures Advocating wars against sworn enemies In these dark times we need to look within For those inner human qualities Of peace, love, amity and compassion For pressing of some panic strategic buttons, Even if accidentally, would lead to Mutually assured destruction, The wiping out of the human race And put our much-cherished planet And our carefully built up civilization Back to the Stone Age or even worse.

Bio: I am almost 52 years old, an electronics engineer from IIT Kanpur working as a Project Consultant in a private company. My poems have appeared in different magazines and journals and my first novel is due to be published.

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Sandip Das India 510

Name: Sandip Das

Gender: Male Country: India

Title of Poem: War and peace

Poem: The route of war leads to the graves of peace. Look still how enthusiast are they! Thousands of caravans carrying destruction and return with coffins of deaths. Slogans are echoed in the air Of crowded half feed, middle classed, half dead tired soldiers travelling towards the valley of minuses. War may resume anytime.

War!! The forceful peace treaty. And soldiers -- a group of bodies between Death in front and Expectation at the back

Bio: My name is Sandip . I am an Indian. I born in the 1987. I had done graduation in English. Presently I am working under Government of India. My poem supports humanity and peace.

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Name: Mary Knowles

Gender: Female Country: Canada

Title of Poem: Feathers of a Bird

Poem: Its tender fringe ebbs gently, Vulnerable to the breeze. Our duty to protect and preserve intently, Lest we allow them to seize: This white feather, our peace. Yet who are they? Who must we flay? They possess their own plume, An inversion of our own. A perverse selfishness could seal our tomb, Visions tunnel, warped perceptions are blown Out of proportion; decayed is the value of life. We must reconcile, to cease this strife, Before the dove from which these quills fell, So as not to drown in each other’s inkwells.

Bio: I'm currently a university student from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada who enjoys writing poetry and prose, exploring the outdoors, and travelling. After having spent time teaching and living abroad in China and Korea I have decided that it is my passion to reach and connect people across borders and cultures through language.

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Name: Bryan Allen

Gender: male Country: United Kingdom

Title of Poem: Blessed are the peacemakers

Poem: Let us close our eyes says the priest An anxious bird flutters against the clerestories Oh Lord grant favour to these your servants Who combat injustice and idolatry in heathen lands Who with cluster bombs make cripples of orphans Who fight nightmare widows clawing their windows? Oh Lord grant them peace Let us close our eyes say the faithful To arms that brace despots and enrich our moguls May all men live as brothers under our banner Go in peace says the priest As through the bloodstained window The dove finally flaps free

Bio: Bryan is a citizen of the world: born in Congo, raised in the UK, lived all over Europe and worked twenty years in China. He is passionate about reversing injustice and climate catastrophe, and has worked primarily in the nonprofit sector, seeking to make the world a better place. He enjoys reading, art and tries to write!

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Name: Awah Oliver Nde

Gender: Male Country: Cameroon

Title of Poem: "Let's Reach Out"

Poem: In that beautiful Eden, God set the pace That both man and animals were at peace… His heart was calm as God showed him all, And in His love and breath he named all.

Hey you white man, and you black man … Turn around and ask even the Asian man What are you waiting for? Peace is calling… Oh Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jew, peace’s calling.

You Buddhists, Bahaism, Jehovah’s witnesses and all- God is waiting to see us celebrate existence tall. Isis or whoever, when shot the blood is red Black or white, we're wounded, its peace's chance.

Bio: Born in Cameroon in 1974, Awah Oliver Nde has been Writing Poetry since Secondary School though has never published. He writes poetry, drama and screen plays. He teaches Literature and English in Secondary Schools in Douala - Cameroon.

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Malaika Masroor Pakistan 515

Name: Malaika Masroor

Gender: Female Country: Pakistan

Title of Poem: The Protest and The Comeback

Poem: For people like us, plainly crazy Life will always be a peaceful decree Enriching our emotions and the power to forgive So that’s how we know we can live Relishing the present and giving up craving Uplifting our souls, we can continue living Our lives can be good, without doubt Yet I just began to make out,

To live it right is only savage For people like us, strangely average, It is a glass half-filled or half-empty Life is but a pursuit of harmony

Bio: I am a 20-year-old student from Pakistan. I have never been a professional writer or poet but whenever I wrote (poetry or prose), I made sure it left an impact on my audience's lives. My poetry, when read top to bottom, reflects the complaint of an ordinary man about the savagery of life. Whereas, when read bottom to top, it blesses an optimistic approach to living a peaceful life. Also, the starting letter of each line joins up to convey a powerful message when read bottom to top. 516

Name: Awais Khalid

Gender: Male Country: Pakistan

Title of Poem: A Parley Poem: Peace; Never comes with ease To one’s comfort zone One must have to cease

Satan; Is way more an enthusiast Spread hatred elatedly Try to win every quest

Peace; Is what everyone needs Instilling in our blood It escalates good deeds

Bio: I believe myself an ordinary student of life and literature yearning and striving for perfect nomenclature and true meanings of life. Invented three poetry forms and still exploring in my way.

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Iqra Riaz Pakistan

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Name: Iqra Riaz

Gender: Female Country: Pakistan

Title of Poem: I demand peace

Poem: Peace, peace, peace What kind of peace? Divided earth cried, My rivers have dried, By making nuclear weapons, People want to make me heaven? People who say no to war, Where they are? On my lap my resident die Because of destruction people cry People have made my piece But I demand peace. Bring peace my dear please, This will cause my life to increase.

Bio: My name is Iqra Riaz. I am a girl. I live in Faisalabad, a city of Pakistan. I am a student of literature, studying in (gcuf)university of Faisalabad. I am a poetess, and a member of writer club of my university. I have many hobbies like painting and sketching.

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Name: Sirhajwan Idek

Gender: Male Country: Malaysia

Poem: Title: They came and stayed Here they came with hope and dream, Filled with joy they just wanted to scream, Though the land was not certain as it might seem, With future that still remained hazy, They still felt they were really lucky, They had never looked this happy, They stayed vigilant night and day, They knew they were here to stay, So they needed to keep danger at bay, They celebrated the day of the bless, They felt there was nothing that they got less, Settling on their newfound happiness.

Bio: Sirhajwan Idek is an English language teacher. He teachers at Keningau Vocational School in Sabah, Malaysia. He writes short stories, poems and plays. He earned his bachelor's degree, master's degree and PhD from UiTM. He trains his students for innovation competitions. He speaks Bajau, a language of a native ethnic group in the state. 520

Name: Wilson Van De Werp

Gender: Male Country: Nederland

Poem: Only peace. I have accepted myself just the way our creator has created me, in his universe. He full me whit his divine love, grace, peace and take care every day for me. He learns me to love and give love to any living being and to live in peace whit the nature in his universe. My divine mission is to take care for the nature, and give it whit love and peace to the next generation Wilson.

Bio: Love live and live love

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Name: Olga Fufaeva

Gender: Female Country: Russia

Poem: Let him have his flag as a child's drawing, When the sun's too yellow and the sky's so blue, Just because with the song he is performing, It's that image, I think, could be well in tune.

Nothing said of the child and less of the country, He belonged to himself before they began the war, How comes his song being flown through thunder Brings me comfort that I have been longing for.

Bio: I was born in 1992 in Togliatti, Russia. I have been writing poems since 2000. My first publication in a literary magazine was in 2009. I strongly oppose all types of oppression, most of my poems describe a harmonious state of the inner and the outer world.

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Name: Charlie Whinney

Gender: Male Country: UK

Poem: Rest, stop feeling stressed Drop the knife and love life Do the same things but with wings? In the woods with your wife Or husband or alone, just leave your phone Look learn, listen return To nature dude, snooze nude Air on skin is how you win The knightly tread lightly Grow nuts for your guts Love the rhyme, slow down time Forget thieves and feel the leaves

Meet your needs for real, get dirt under your nails Mud on your boots, let your kids run in the fields Rest, stop feeling stressed Get blessed

Bio: Charlie is an artist, designer, and writer from the UK with notable large scale eco-art installations in Japan, Singapore, Ireland, UK and USA. He had been writing since 2018, the first published work by Hachette is non-fiction Wood & Steam (2019) and the poem 'Rest' is from a collection of 2018-19 poems called 'Work and Love' 523

Name: Rob Lowe

Gender: Male Country: United Kingdom

Poem: PROPOSALS FOR PEACE1 Peace is not only the end of war: Peace is a world without poverty, Peace is a world of equality, Peace is a world with freedom of speech. Peace is a world without roadkill on roads. Peace is a world without hatred or greed. Peace is a way of sharing work With every creature from Noah’s Ark: It may come from human heart Or be given by God above – Peace is a slice of cake at a wedding Feast for unconditional giving; We all are brides when we take up living For what is best for the whole.

Bio: Rob Lowe has been writing and reading poetry for many years, but only recently began submitting his work for publication. It has been accepted by Dwell Time, inkpantry.com, Disability Arts Cymru, The Friend, Shire Magazine (Wales), WestWard Quarterly (Illinois), and in two anthologies. He lives in a tiny, unmodernised flat in Wales.

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Name: Janet Phillips

Gender: female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Refugee

A morning of dust. The debris lies Silent; yesterday’s lives torn in it Now irrevocably changed, calloused souls Sad with it, worn, defeated. An ordinary War in a broken landscape.

He heals slowly. Face ridged with scars. Sudden white rage erupts from him, a sickness He must always have now. It is behind his eyes looking out.

A refugee. Forever in another country.

Bio: I'm a teacher of English, living in Cornwall with my family. I write in my free time and also have a deep love of the sea. A pacifist by nature, I would love to see an end to war and its horrors. I do, however, respect the bravery and courage of those who have fought back against invasion or oppression. If only we could reach a place where it was never necessary.

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Name: Abra Cannon

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: "Meditation: Inner Peace"

Reach up to the sky, Feel the earth beneath your feet, As cotton clouds pass by, Listen to the melody of your heart beat,

Gently close your eyes, Let worries and doubts fall away, Against the sunset's pastel dyes, Absorb what mother nature has to say,

Relax your tired aching bones, Feel the energy revitalize your soul, Touch the coolness of the healing stones, Rise anew and carry on your peaceful stroll.

Bio: I am a poet who likes to focus on feelings and deep messages. I have been writing poetry since I was a child. Writing poetry is how I coped with child abuse and how I like to express/promote healing and acceptance to others. Poetry is like a letter to the heart, and I genuinely hope mine touches yours. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this competition. May peace guide you, namaste. 526

Name: Yeukai Beverley Faera Gender: Female Country: Zimbabwe

Poem: Peace

In the depth of the spell bond, We sing sweet soothing melodies in the rain. We dance together walking in the lane, Celebrating the true beauty of peace, The glory of growth, The splendour of nature, The greatness of the creator.

It's a wonderful world. Of laughter and cheers. Yes, there's so much peace. And life is at ease. Love is what's connecting us all to the root of peace. My heart floods with so much joy as I watch its strength, Granting life, a better taste of living, Bringing light to the world, Turning this place into a place of beauty and wonder. Bio: My name is Yeukai Beverley Faera. I come from Zimbabwe. I am a young lady aged twenty-two. I have great interest in writing. I was born with a disability. I love learning new things. 527

Gerard Wilkie United Kingdom 528

Name: Gerard Wilkie

Gender: Male Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Enter the Silence I opened the door and walked into the room, But no-one was there. The silence was mighty, Only broken by the sound of a clock…. Tick-tock….Tick-tock…… Such peace as this can only be found From time to time, in the confines of my mind. At this moment in time, I understand That peace is a lonely place, seldom found. Those in power tell us how our lives must be …. Do they yearn for the same stillness of mind? Or do they seek a world of dark, and Not one of light? I stay in the silence and empty my mind In a place I will forever remain.

Bio: I am a Scottish based poet. I am a student of Creative Writing at the Open University. I am also a special educational needs teacher, and an actor.

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Louisa Tomlinson United Kingdom

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Name: Louisa Tomlinson

Gender: Female Country: UK

Poem: A Play of Light

The illusion of duality splits the world in binary. This line between you and me? It's a play of light.

With the right mind, all walls go out - we are the ocean of potentiality, where life starts life.

Drop the false dream of separation. Let love open. It is the meaning, and it is the medicine.

Bio: I'm an award-winning poet, including Winner of the New Writer International Writing Competition, and have had poems published in a number of anthologies. I am a spoken word artist who regularly performs on the circuit in Brighton. I have a chapter in Breaking Open, an anthology of maverick mysticism due to be published by Aeon early 2020.

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Fareed Agyakwah Ghana 532

Name: Fareed Agyakwah

Gender: Male Country: Ghana

WHEN PEOPLE PRAY FOR PEACE, They pray for freedom to be citizens enough To know where every national coin passes. When people par for peace, They pray for equal opportunity to sweat And enjoy the fruit of their labour. When people par for peace, They pray for the wheels of justice to grind With teeth of fairness regardless of surnames. When people par for peace, They pray for what keeps body and soul together For the love of green and gray, Equality before the lore’s of law And the drought of tongues of war.

Bio: Fareed Agyakwah also known as Kente Agyakwa is a widely-published poet, essayist and peace advocate. He was conventionally educated at the University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana- the same university whose hospital saw his birth. His work has been translated into several languages (even Gujarati Language). It has also appeared in several magazines, journals, e-zines, and anthologies such as Versatile Verses, Cajun Mutt Press, Nationalism and Sunup. A Child's Poetry for Peace is his upcoming book of poetry already at the press. 533

Name: Sara Cathmoir

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: The empty void between stars by Sara Cathmoir

Maybe we're both just leftover matter, Just two lost souls in space, But to me my love you shine so brightly that even the empty space between us Is nothing more than an empty space in time, You’re not the only star I see causing disruptions to the atmosphere Your never ending flame is a shooting star that creates hope to that someone down below who watches you shine. We create spaces like we are gods playing games of damage control, But I am only yours When will you rise above the moon and understand That the space between us is worth every burning second our flames are alright, Even in time, even lost in space, To me my love you are more than a collection of dust, For you are The only one, I'm wishing on.

Bio: Hi my name is Sara Cathmoir I am 22 for me this poem is about the peace that brings us all together which is space, it’s about the hope we all feel looking up at the stars knowing there’s more. I hope you like it as much as do I 534

Name: Priya Suresh

Gender: Female Country: India

Poem: Title: A Yearning for Peace

Come to the riverside, The waters flow, unhindered and full of life; Warmed by the sun, swayed by the winds, the river Frolics and froths, dances and plays; It never sets borders or bars entries Discriminates or wages relentless wars In stark displays of depraved humanity that leave Those like me lost amidst turmoil’s, With sunken eyes and grim, blood-streaked faces As listless as the barren trees and grey skies, Heavy with the remnants of a thousand explosions; And the murky debris that surrounds us, normalcy. If only we could pause the madness for a while, And let nature shroud us with its calming peace!

Bio: Priya Suresh is an amateur poet. She loves to write and experiment with shorter poetry forms. She has worked for some time as an online editor. Priya has also edited a few academic papers over the years. She has a post-graduate degree in Physics, although she has always been equally passionate about reading, writing and embroidery. Priya resides in India, with her husband. She is currently attempting to write a poetry collection for children. 535

Ntebogeng Musi South Africa

536

Name: Ntebogeng Musi

Gender: Female Country: South Africa

Poem: Reverent Moment (C)

This moment right here, right now It may never come again, not in this form These soft cotton imitations of clouds below you The warm air gently resting on your skin The sound of the wind dancing between the trees The trace of summer showers looming in the air The knowledge that loved ones feast down the hall The solice in knowing you have given life your all The resolution that you have kept true to your word Knowing that your i's are dotted and t's crossed In this reverent moment of peace, you're overwhelmed So much so that the blade shakes in your hand This moment, it may never come again Perhaps you should savour it...

Bio: On the most perfect days you could ever imagine you sit in your room contemplating life, the world and the meaning of it all...

537

Name: Claire Swankie

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: A place of peace

How do we achieve world peace? It really is so simplistic! By putting differences aside and finding common purpose. If we could be happy with, just being, instead of focusing on material possessions seeking satisfaction, in little idle pleasures. By ensuring, all people of all nations have everything they need this is where true love flows within a place of peace.

Bio: Claire Swankie is a poet from the North West of Glasgow in Scotland. Things that inspire Claire are social enterprise, the light in the dark, the double edged sword, the working class heroes and the underdog.

538

Kathryn Sadakierski United Kingdom 539

Name: Kathryn Sadakierski

Gender: Female Country: United States of America

Poem: "Sea of Tranquility"

Peace is the calm Of a lullaby that soothes, Feeling safe and content As you did in youth, Being sung to sleep By the familiar melody of truth, Solidarity; extending a hand to neighbors in need, Honoring the light in each person That is deeper than what the eyes can see; The beauty in me honors the beauty in you; Peace is the journey to understanding truth, Empathy and compassion For every soul you greet, Love is the only key to peace.

Bio: Kathryn Sadakierski is a creative writer whose publications are forthcoming in Teachers of Vision Magazine, Dime Show Review, Truth Serum Press' anthology Indigomania, and the Piano Microstories project. She was published in the 2019 Zimbell House Publishing anthology “The Marshal.” Her poem "Luminesce" was featured on the Bangor Literary Journal website as a top-ten winner of the Halloween 2019 Ekphrastic Challenge. Her poem “Sleepwalking in the 540

Early Hours” was a winner of the Matthew Rackham Barnes Challenge (November 2019) in The Ekphrastic Review. Kathryn’s story was an honorable mention in the 2019 Kraemer Intergenerational Short Story contest. She graduated summa cum laude from Bay Path University in Longmeadow, Massachusetts with her B.A., and is currently pursuing her Master of Science degree.

541

Name: Philip Burton

Gender: Male Country: GB

Poem: Blue Grass Blues Philip Burton

I hanker for candy-crunch washboards, and banjos like peppery spoons. I yearn to roll on cobs of corn with cousins in tumble-down barns.

I yearn for young Virginia with a rip in her cargo jeans a hickory lap-top processor and her rocking-chair that leans.

I’ll live in grass that’s thistle-blue, heave buckets to flush the john watch the wide Missouri as it ambles broadly on.

Bio: Philip Burton has a love for readings and performance, developed through life as an English and Drama teacher, Lancashire head teacher, folksinger, amateur actor, a multi-award winning poet, and as a poetry practitioner who, as Pip the Poet, has provided hundreds of poetry days for 542

schools and for adult learners. His poems are very widely published in literary magazines. He won the Teignmouth poetry festival poetry competition, 2015, judged by Penelope Shuttle. Indigo Dreams Press published his collection His Usual Theft in 2017. www.philipburton.net

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Name: Sharmila Mehta

Gender: Female Country: India

Poem: PEACE Dreams steal my past, present, and future, Without my Peace, Life is true torture. Dreams make a great impact on my sleep, Keeping me awake, disturbs my Peace. Peace within myself, Peace stays outside, Fighting Demons that keep it inside. Hate, anger, jealousy, and greed, too, Prevents Dream ever coming with love. Step out and face the World, it’s easy, Among the millions, I can find Peace. Every mind is disturbed at some time, Every heart longs to have Peace of Mind. Caste, colour, and creed scare my thinking, Can Peace be gotten by my dreaming? The gender bias is another, Taking away Peace all together. So, today, with Writings, let’s all pledge, Finding Peace, so we always have edge. To help each and every one in need, 544

Let’s spread and share with all, Nationwide. Bio: I am 45 and a house-wife. I had a flair for writing since my childhood but recently started to post my poems with the inspiration given by my family and friends. It is an honor to be among great poets.

545

Name: Max Bianxo

Gender: Male Country: UK

Poem: Come Ladies and Gents to 1914 Down with the heroes this world has seen They won’t be home for a long time they say But they all made Peacetime for Christmas Day

The shadows dance where the dead did lay Field full of blood, the ghosts will remain Guided by fleck that stabbed the night sky But they all made Peacetime a Merry Goodbye

Heart in the throat riffle at hand A walk to the impossible had once began They won’t be home for a long time they say But they all made Peacetime for Christmas Day

Bio: My name is Max, a singer-songwriter from the North of England, UK. I’ve written various poetry between songwriting, and recently painted portrait

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Talat H Shah United Kingdom 547

Name: Talat H Shah

Gender: Male Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Thoughts of a man in the midst of a war.

Yet I am hopeful, while my eyes wide shut I see with closed eyes, that I see not with open Hearing within the depths of my heart, so broken A fable voice with comforting words it has spoken

While I lay silently peaceful in the middle With benumbing noise from the sky falling fire With cries of people where peace is their desire If I say I am not fearful, I admit I am a liar

But within the worldly chaos I still see a hope For life and love and blessed rain from above A grieved heart's wish to see banners there of Of an olive branch carrying peace loving dove

Bio: Talat Shah is an IT and Telecommunications professional. He was born in the beautiful valleys of Kashmir also called the heaven on earth. Due to his sensitive nature he gets his motivation from different aspects of life and all that is associated with it. He won a music competition for his track called "The Existence - VUJOOD (featuring Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities)" in August 2005 run by audible.co.uk. 548

Name: Laurie Mcdougall

Gender: Female Country: England

Poem: Love, peace and harmony, It’s what we all crave, So be kind to each other, Stand up and be brave In the face of tyranny You know it’s not right That children are dying, Bombs dropped in the night. We must pull together To stamp out the hate, Winter is coming, the children can’t wait. They need food, shelter, clothing, Please help them today, World Leaders, this problem is not going away Wield your power to help, compassion is key, On the long road ahead towards Love, peace and harmony.

Bio: I have only recently started writing poetry, I have always been a painter, but I am enjoying writing enormously. I am currently writing poems from childhood memories of life in an English town in the ‘60’s. I am 60 years old and enjoy looking after my four grandchildren and telling them stories from long ago. 549

Name: Federica Raco

Gender: Female Country: New Jersey, USA

Poem: Masks or faces?

There are not a few times that I look at people that pass, and pass again, playful and laughing, that I admire cheerful and carefree children playing and enjoying their time in the square. And I see the elderly, the classic wise people of the town, And adults, busy between work and family, Going about their typical daily routine.

I don’t save the sky and the moon and the stars- He nebulous, she pretty and they beautiful -- And the sun, the father of the light, Who drives away the fears of the night Illuminating the day with joy.

But I left for last the students, the rulers of the future, Running to take the bus, working hard Or being always in time; All of them committed to do their job 550

in their different ages and personalities.

7.7 billion people are living on our earth, Since ever, fighting to find a comfortable place - In their job, in their day or their life; Each with different houses, names and lifestyles.

Then a school, the student’s safe place, A place to learn with no worries; The ones who want to study, the ones who don’t want to. The ones who can and the ones who can’t.

The brain is the most complex and misunderstood machine With unknown capabilities, surprising our days. How many thoughts have we hidden? In that big but small place of our body? How many smiles do we print on our face? Pretending it’s all great? How many things we don’t say For fear of being judged? How many people act every day? Pretending to be that which those around them want them to be? How many students are brilliant at school? And how many are not? How many can go to school? 551

And how many cannot? How many students are smiling? Or laughing at school? And how many of them are sad Or just upset?

Students are not just teenagers who go to school to learn, We are all students Because a student is the one who learns And we all learn lots of things every day; The problem is that we don’t know. Or, better, we don’t pay attention to what we learn, We will never stop being students. Each of us is committed to carrying out our task And we stop at what appears to be okay. We don’t go in the deep, We don’t think about going in the deep And, in the morning, when we wake up, We wear a mask for each day. Every day is a different day With a different mask; But we don’t even pay attention to that, Because it’s normal. It’s what we do, 552

It’s how humans are living In this fake World of lies.

I challenge everyone to know the real person That is in the deep, hidden by walls, That we don’t even know we built around us. Now I challenge teachers To know their students, To understand why they are doing what they are doing, Why there are acting as they are acting And not to stop at a smiling face, Or a good or a bad grade. And last I challenge myself Not just to look at people that I see or that I meet, But to understand them. Because we are all like a small snowflake That falls from the sky, resting among others like it, Soft, graceful and with a heart of ice. Because every snowflake is important That creates the amazing snow view, Where people walk and walk again, Where children are having fun Seniors and adults are smiling The sun darkened, the moon ready to ride 553

And the stars ready to shine. A snowflake is very small Compared to other 7.7 billion like it, But each has his World inside.

Bio: I’m Federica Raco a 17 years old Italian high school exchange student. I’ve always admired the art of writing because even if you are just in your room, you can see the world with you fantasy. It’s amazing how our brain is so complex and I would be happy to share with you a part of what I can see.

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Name: Sulyman Hannafi M.A.

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: The Young Flowers

On the ways to different parts of the globe within my lanes, uproars unrest many dwellers paving their routes for those young flowers laughing out slowly from their roots. Coolness of breeze sustain the yolk maidens and lads to breath in and exhale before flying like butterflies around when the weather is friendly married within their span of lives.

The adults wail the sinister songs of colour and race. For what the elders folded their arms on those futures getting blurred? Let peace reign by exhuming the cord of hope covered under the scorching sun of hatred and tribes. poet Sulyman Hannafi M.A. Copyright Amity and Social Wellbeing Centre (ASWEC).

Bio: I am a linguist, a poet, Peace Advocate and the founder and Director of Amity and Social Wellbeing Centre (ASWEC). My Centre breed peace and justice through education and welfarism.

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Name: Ibrahima Sylla

Gender: Male Country: Rwanda

Poem: Poem 1: Peace, Daughter of God

I am the voice of happiness I am the voice that hates misfortune I am the voice of prosperity I am even more democracy

I never let myself be defeated Even if the state and the average person Don't want me I would live among all the kind souls I will conquer souls under the barriers

I'll go to the depths of the rivers To awaken a sense of responsibility This responsibility makes it possible to The worthy men This dignity that makes them in solidarity

I am the gazelle that advocates none violence 556

I am the hyena that urges civility To achieve this, I will cultivate behaviors Up to tolerance I will allow children to grow up In my midst in transparency I will allow them to live without suffering. Ibrahima Sylla

Bio: My name is Ibrahima Sylla, and I am a young Ivorian studying at the African Leadership University of Rwanda. Passionate about writing and reading from a very young age, I wrote my first poem at the age of 14, and since then, I have never stopped writing. For me, writing is living because the only time I feel alive is when I write. I think that through the power of words, we can make this world a more peaceful and better.

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Name: Lalita Vaitheeswaran

Gender: Female Country: India

Poem: World Peace

Let’s drop the 'arms' and join hands Keeping hatred in our hearts at bay Let's 'gun' for joys and make happiness our 'ammunition', And Pledge for a better world today Let 'troops' of equality and justice rule Everyone live with dignity and ease No colour, no class, no boundaries no walls Let the world live only for peace Let there be only cheerfulness and glee Let existence of 'wars' and 'destruction' cease Let exhilaration, ecstasy and rapture rule Let every human being live only in peace.

Bio: I am a Gynaecologist having a passion for writing. Wanting to spread happiness and joy I find words as the most powerful tool and hence take to expressing my views through poetry.

558

Name: Starry Tent

Gender: Female Country: South Korea

Poem: Peace for My Korean Peninsula

We claim them our brothers, Our enemies, the commies, Divided to pieces - North and South

Say they are brothers, we’re spinning left, Say they are enemies, we’re teetering right, Divided to pieces - West and East

Some will choose a neutral stance Relax, they say, pinned to the middle, Just spin around in an endless cycle

You’re busy with direction when someone up there Is born to be buried, to rest in peace. Does your conscience need a compass?

Bio: I grew up in poverty, nature and religion. I didn't appreciate it then, but I do now. As an ESL teacher and a self-appointed writer, I believe writing is one of the most powerful weapon, a divine gift of mankind that brings humanity to a newer level. 559

Name: Dr. Pragya Suman

Gender: female Country: India

Poem: Stalker

Night frost keep dripping ahead my foot steps are in stroll...I am still in alley, halted me for a brief in apprehension my turned back was vacant in way who is stalking me in this doomsday my lost !! bit of bit mine melted away has now assembled in abstract will bricks, walls, stones in corner, littered pebbles began to sank down and down with rhythmic tremor my leftovers are stacked to my soul.

Bio: I am Doctor by profession. I am from India my posting is in Shri krishna medical college, Muzaffarpur, Bihar literature is my hobby I write poetry.

560

Name: Rei Aziz

Gender: Female Country: UK

Poem: 05 November 2019

My favourite thing about this particular station is that I can hear the birds singing It reminds me that the world is bigger than just me We drove past the butcher shop on the way to the station A dead pig was hanging down by his or her back legs at the back of a truck Completely drained of blood and guts and life, loosely stitched back together and ready to be chopped to pieces and be cooked and eaten by some human. (No final peace even in death) Another of so many, many, many who we couldn’t save

Bio: A mother and a psychotherapist with an interest in trauma, vegan since June 2016, working towards more ethical/sustainable existence whilst supporting others to make changes on their own individual journeys to find their own peace. Collections of poetry have been self-published on Amazon KDP and included in anthologies such as those of Forward Poetry (2014) and The Poetry Guild (1997).

561

Name: Niels Schoenmaker

Gender: Male Country: Netherlands

Poem: Endless starts to rain on down in beats uninterrupted; Good intentions dress the floor. Last cigarettes lie broken as we can afford to breathe where time grows wings no longer.

Rivers coldly flow against all time and revolution, one day, when the sun fell down and was then caught disturbing the streamlined eastern branches of a peaceful concrete world.

Bio: I'm a Dutch poet with a food obsession and a love for form and meter. I've been writing in English since February 2019 but have written a lot in Dutch until 2008. Used to be a Dutch spoken word performer as well as entering Dutch slam competitions, a decade ago. 562

Name: Fauzul el Nurca

Gender: Man Country: Indonesia

Poem: Maybe with Love (1)

Nothing is truly impossible to love Even Andromeda was tied to a rock And submitted as a prey to the monster Cetus Was very strong until married by Perseus the hero

Trust your heart Empower your love And let's leave with a smile Of all the suffering that always grows rooted With a love rod sticking out slowly into the sky Then which pest will kill the veins on the ground When love melts to drown everything in endless love

So, trust your heart completely!

Bio: Fauzul el Nurca, writer from Padang, Indonesia. Writing articles, prose, essays and poetry for several newspapers and magazines since 1982 and is still active today

563

Name: Mason Prosser

Gender: Male Country: USA

Poem: peace is necessary. without it we would be in the trenches fighting for our lives being slain and in so much pain.

Bio: I’m doing this for a project. I have to find 15 Publishing things and screen shot it.

564

Name: Paul Thwaites

Gender: Male Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Peace Let there be eloquence within this place, Brought from the heart's language to make us strong, Defending peace that we may as one race, Find harmony, each other walk among. For we are God's and to God's heart belong, Let each one, in the other, see his face, Ennoble us to walk within his grace, Make this earth's hymnal one of choral song. And let us not forget in easy sleep, To dream of armistice and brotherhood, Which bonds one world to let our heart's release, Their purest love, the kindnesses we keep, Making us as one nation and one blood, To heal the wound and to the world bring peace.

Bio: I am a recently retired teacher who enjoys writing poetry. I have written many poems and have quite a backlog. I am sixty-six years of age and live near Wakefield in Yorkshire England. I enjoyed teaching poetry and encouraging children to write in the Special Needs school in which I worked for eighteen years we published an anthology of their work.

565

Name: Ronan Loughney

Gender: Male Country: United Kingdom

Poem: What is that sadness Behind eternal peace, Written softly on the features of blank-eyed busts Who have stared into the abyss in which the set stone sits? Is it the final vestige of the self? as it looks upon the dying world, Before slipping into ether? A parting pang of empathy Before the human is surpassed, To the spirit-god beyond shared feeling - Faded into total consciousness, Where joy and sadness become one?

Ronan Loughney - copyright - 14.12.19

Bio: I started writing at 6. Since then I've moved from teaching to journalism to playing music to project management to investment banking; from Russia to France to Egypt to Spain to Morocco to Portugal to Nicaragua to home. All the while I have written, and whatever comes next will continue to write.

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Name: Pukhraj Neogi

Gender: Female Country: India

Poem: Peace, rhythm of life

Sparkling eyes, mischievous smiles, giggling ribbons, chuckling wrinkles, is how peace sounds. Happy girls, confident & strong, thoughtful boys, warmhearted & courteous, healthy mothers, safe & secure, loving fathers, caring & unbiased, is how peace feels. Resilience for religions, appreciation of cultures, sustainable mother-nature, blue sky of free voice, is how peace gives. Healing, forgiveness, harmony, justice, equality, choice, is how peace should be, is how peace looks.

Bio: Pukhraj Neogi, a mother, a poet and a budding writer. Holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science along with Master's in Economics from Panjab University, Chandigarh, India. Presently, contributes poems to Socialist Factor a magazine, published in India. Also, two of her poems got published in the Poetry Anthology under the 'Editor's Choice', in the International Poetry Competition 2018-19 held by the Hammond House Publishing, U.K. 567

Name: B. Pearce

Gender: female Country: Scotland

Poem: A cloud is a soft pile for saved thoughts of peace so THINK, store for the light rays far and wide like the hands of the god Aten when reaching stones, see the fallen cherry blossom is endurance the soul future weft of now? you too can build, dance and dream and talk love new arrivals-as the only real wealth is unity so in that, don't flower for profit alone enter the circle for the good to come, the ancients foresaw and knew only the dignity stealers suffer from within never lose your coat or go out without your truth ever Do shine all over the horizons smile and don’t stop till home all change is good, create with us. for the wise speak at times like these in listening it is still apart to play so be blessed in the power of that.

Bio: A Blessed middle aged sometime fairy staying in Scotland, living close to the nature realm. Lifelong artist, gardener, workshop leader and reader. Poetry and art are my mine stays, visions, 568

ideas, songs depicted through this medium, are simplistic and I sometimes write inspired word doodles, poems daily, an ongoing learning and sharing to express beauty, nature the truth of humanity and the support of spirituality.

569

Name: Ian Jenkins

Gender: Male Country: England (United Kingdom)

Poem: Will there ever be world peace?

Will there ever be world peace in a coordinated global release? That instance when everyone understands The moment is really in our hands When the question no longer should have to be framed And the murderers and rapists chased and shamed Liquid fear should have no place in the manifestations of the human –race The requisite evil the dire disgrace worn across everyone’s guilty face Even the innocent harbouring guilt of the potential friendships never built And we’ve had it right up to the hilt! So that small pieces of peace just won’t do Wake up it’s you - I’m telling Yes, you!

Bio: Ian Jenkins Married with Adult Children and grand-children I am an Independent Mediator working in the UK I have written poems and short stories for decades having published just a handful to date, in magazines and completions and one in the North Eastern Anthology 1995 entitled "small change" I like my poetry to provoke reflection by the reader.

570

Name: Jason Hanslo

Gender: Male Country: South Africa

Poem: Thumb, let's make peace

Thumb stretched across the hand to poke the others. That's when the little one said to the ring; " How tall should I grow to outgrow the middle?" And the ring finger bowed down at the thumb and said; "Thumb, let's make peace,"

Bio: South African son of the ancestors who roamed the Cape Flats 10 000 years ago now lives in Hefei, China with his wife and two beautiful daughters and actively encourages his students to make huge strides towards world peace by thinking globally and acting locally.

571

Name: Imogen Walls

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: The air so cold and sharply blew, Yet man and beast hardly knew. For they were done with death and war, No more blood and no more gore. The count of loss, far too high, Too many friends have said goodbye. But they were home and news telecast, The peace they fought for, may it last.

Bio: I am a 22-year-old aspiring writer based in London, UK. I am currently a part time waitress whilst I search for a full time job. Aside from writing, I love dancing. I have danced since I was four years old in various styles; my favourites being Ballet and Ballroom and Latin.

572

Name: Judith Aduol Nyamanga

Gender: Female Country: Kenya

Poem: Boundary

Placidly, the wind blew, Echoing the sounds of freedom, After the war, peace was honored, Communities without borders, Entering the other land, Singing songs of peace, With fresh conscious, like the morning dew, The boundary issue had engulfed the two communities, Each claiming its ownership, No man’s land it was, everyone’s land it became, War had eaten every fabric of peaceful co-existence, And their souls had grown weary, It was time for peace. It was the remaining option, And peace became.

Bio: My name is Judith Aduol Nyamanga from Kisumu County, Republic of Kenya. A freelance journalist by profession with great passion in print media. A wife and a mother of two. My love for poetry, and especially poems with themes on development, humanity and sustainability is curved out of the need to advance the narrative of prosperity globally. 573

Name: Mehak Shaikh

Gender: Female Country: Pakistan

Poem: Title: My Real Peace

Looking at the sky Yearning something Too much bright Like buoyancy dream Forgetting my past Looking for something That will bring a lot In my life once again I need real smiles It would be real Peace In my life

Bio: Quiet, serious, sensitive and kind. Do not like conflict and not likely to do things which may generate conflict. Loyal and faithful. Extremely well-developed senses and aesthetic appreciation for beauty. Flexible and open-minded. Likely to be original and creative. Enjoy the present moment.

574

Name: Tracy Davidson

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Tanka former enemies... old grievances forgotten in the peace garden a mix of tears and laughter and fresh hope for the future

Bio: Tracy Davidson lives in England, and writes poetry and flash fiction. Her work has appeared in various publications and anthologies, including: Poet's Market, Mslexia, Atlas Poetica, Modern Haiku, The Binnacle, A Hundred Gourds, Shooter, Journey to Crone, The Great Gatsby Anthology, WAR and in Protest: 150 Poems for Human Rights.

575

Name: Radia Anan

Gender: Female Country: Bangladesh

Poem: Taking Steps Down Memory Lane

That night, adoring the moon Stomping from two opposite side, Crossing one another Claiming the knight, Both denied to drop the right what a night it was!

Hovering hands over a bubble Both were sure to stumble, Chest were heavy, our breath torn While sun settled in the west Time rode a unicorn What an evening it was!

Lights swaying, darkness claimed Adrenaline coursing through vein Latching on black lathered clouds Demons showering mercy rain, 576

Fears towering, breath hitched Your eyes, did they flinched? You were frightened too, weren't you? what a dusk it was!

Mist swallowing and covering view Chills sending shiver to spine, Arms wrapping around to warm Gripping the shoulder was just as fine Desire endorse the void rake, Peeling the paper devouring hotcake what a dawn it was!

Bio: I am a dreamer in this shaken twisted world. Reading and writing keeps me enlightened. sometimes I am a hopeless romantic, sometimes psychotic, sometime deranged and over cloud nine maybe sometimes depressed and upset but never ignorant. I love to claim myself as a carpe diem.

577

Name: Prad Aphachan

Gender: Male Country: Thailand

Title of Poem: The Song

Poem: Some short nights, long nights Where few moons, some stars shown The red dawn, the blue dawn Parsed through old eyes, through bright eyes Through quick thoughts, through quick cries, The times. Our short stout arms are long and lanky Praying, talking, scratching Our baldness full of fur. A voice—they call—chanting Through the warm soil, the warm, warm sun, Echoing in the bones, the marrow, Like turtles, like sparrows Singing a song.

Bio: Prad Aphachan is a poet and writer from Bangkok, Thailand. He currently lives in a room he shares with his brother, a polar bear, a rhino, and a blue whale. His poetry has been published in Acorn, Chrysanthemum, Bones, and Frogpond.

578

Name: Ngozi Sandra Nwaubani

Gender: Female Country: Nigeria

Title of Poem: Birds of same feather

Poem: Scrolling down the map, you can see traces of highlights Of places crumbling beneath the feet of malice Of progenitors and children dying in fights While the women cry and pray with tears filled chalices But soon, the birds of relief shall fly over Sowing seeds of goodwill and intent Bringing love and ambitions closer no matter the extent Rising hand in hand, as the wardens of the earth Building a world where only old age brings death

And the other worlds will see Whether they be above or under the sea That when you put kindness in your heart Peace will never leave your sight

Bio: I love writing anything, and I mean anything beyond race and space but sometimes I find myself with more books than I can seem to read.

579

Name: Dinesh Shihantha De Silva

Gender: male Country: Sri Lanka

Title of Poem: At the heart of peace

Poem: Peace begins in one’s heart and spreads a smile of sweetness, finds the hand reaching out with an act of true kindness.

Be a rainbow that promises a time of tranquility, no matter what colour the skin there'll be peace in diversity.

Like a blackbird's beautiful voice with dawn chorus from the trees, start off every blessed morning with a heartfelt song of peace.

Bio: An internationally published poet (haiku, senryu) and a published author from Sri Lanka. Age 46 years. "See Your About Info" at: facebook.com/DineshShihanthaDeSilva

580

Declan Whitney Ireland

581

Name: Declan Whitney

Gender: Male Country: Ireland

Title of Poem: Finding Peace

Poem: I sought a little time to be alone And found a sheltered cove beside the sea And lay down for a while with book and phone At ease with my remote tranquility But knowing well that calls would spoil my time My phone in silent mode I put away And settled down to read my book of rhyme And wallow in the wordiness at play But soon the water lapping on the sand Beguiled me with its heartbeat of the tide And someone somewhere took me by the hand And led me to the rippling waterside And there I stood in still and silent trance In thrall to nature’s joyful elegance

Bio: Declan Whitney’s background is in marketing, graphic design and copywriting. From Dublin, Ireland, he has been writing occasional poetry for more than thirty years. He writes in a variety of styles, and subjects range from observations on life to areas of natural beauty, particularly in the West of Ireland. The subjects of peace, kindness, gratitude, tolerance, and non-judgmental are close to his heart. 582

Name: Namami Tiwari

Gender: Female Country: India

Title of Poem: Peace is not beyond reach

Poem: Peace is much more than just satisfaction, much more than life's perfection. It is when you are quiet inside, no matter how and wherever you reside. It is beyond all the money, luxury and leisure, It is the matter of inner pleasure. It's the peace you find, when you are calm and nothing stirs your mind.

Please don't throw arrow; don't throw dart, it'll only bring sorrow; it'll only tear you apart. Everything is gonna be alright, just don't fight, as peace comes more naturally to human heart.

Bio: I am a 16-year-old girl. I study in 10th standard in India. I'm very fond of reading and writing poems. Reading novels is also one of my favourite hobbies. One of my favourite writers is Sir Robert Frost. And I believe that," You cannot cross ocean unless you have the courage to lose the sight of the shore."

583

Name: Olivia Douglas

Gender: Female Country: Australia

Title of Poem: The Battle of Everyone

Poem: Arrive, arise, adhere to the prayers, The prayers of the men wounded in warfare, Prayers of the brothers, sons and fathers, Protecting the motherland from invasion of others. Fare welling the station, they once manned, To face inevitable death in no-man’s-land, Amid the warning of their comrades’ yells, They fall to the eternal sleep of golden shells. Fantasizing the end of the Battle of the Somme, Unknowingly not for months to come, As sickly white knuckles hug weapons in terror, Warfare stirs within men a quiet fervour. Peace is not the Battle of Somme, But the Battle of Everyone.

Bio: Beginner Aspiring Writer & Actress History Enthusiast. Harry Potter Fan. Die Hard MARVEL Fan Bookworm 584

Name: Mary Anne Zammit

Gender: Female Country: Malta

Title of Poem: When the Stars talk Poem: And you dreamt of the stars. And listened to the birds in magical skies. You believed in one world. One peace. Would you look now into the eyes of the young woman, her heart still cold by shadows of violence? The mother waiting for her son to return from war. He never returned. Will the stars help to find the answer? For the people lost in sea because they never found land. Do you hear the leaders talking and hiding weapons of destruction and disease? And you cry in your heart. Hoping to get an answer. Maybe the stars will tell you that peace starts from within. Maybe one day the leaders will one day understand the language of the stars. One day. And the stars. And change.

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Bio: Mary Anne is graduate in Social Work, Probation Services, Diplomatic Studies and Masters in Probation, artist and writer and have participated in various exhibitions both locally and Internationally. Mary Anne have published four novels and her poems have been featured in various editions of poetry and Anthologies.

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Name: Aarya Srivastava

Gender: Female Country: India

Title of Poem: THE VISION OF ALMIGHTY

Poem: THE VISION OF ALMIGHTY BEFORE YOU READ: This poem is about sermon between God and speaker. Speaker says about the present situations of the world—

I sat with the stars, Feeling the cosmos demise, Fear in my eyes and afraid of future calamities. I was pacing in the room And the door was knocked. Almighty came inside and Brought the gifts of felicity and chime. I said- I have a tension in my mind, Seeing this world of growing crimes. Faith and devotion in humans’ life Are being destroyed like a burning coil. 587

The demons inside have grown up now, Malignity at the top and forgotten the word of vows. Humanity is just a word and religion is a cord. There is a day when everyone will scruple and remorse. Smiling he said- When I was determined to make this world, I had a vision to make world, land of love But it failed as I can see It’s time for me as I can feel. Interrupting she said- Lay eyes on this grin play Many are billing their own friend. Then in the court they will say – They did for their own morality to sanity And this is a reality, That we forget who created us and molded us And made us human beings With the respect of religion, we are fighting with our genes. Who gave us mind to judge our actions by all mean. Lastly he said- Don’t feel like the hopeless Your orisons won’t be fruitless If you have believed in yourself Nothing will be useless. I am here to take care of yours 588

For as I am your supreme lord But this is the time to change this world with the weapons of humanity and love. Bio: Author is a native of India and lives at the shores of Ganges.Being a daughter of a religious country she was greatly influenced from the waves of literature at very young age. According to her, living in the city of temples can change your thinking style before adolescence. She wants to climb the ladder of her success in the house of poetry only.

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Name: Patricia Green

Gender: Female Country: UK

Title of Poem: Breathing Space

Poem: Take a deep breath of the peace of all created things Forget, for now, that calm departs and Forget that joy has wings. Push back the roaring agony of the task of being alive. Look away to God's own wild things For wild things do not strive. Though happiness fades like a rainbow And the sun's chased away by the rain In a world of flickering shadows Faith, hope and love These remain.

Bio: Patricia Green was born in Bath and grew up in Wiltshire and Hampshire. Published poet and journalist in a small way, she currently lives in Shropshire.

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Name: Sheena Ann Gordon

Gender: Female Country: Jamaica

Title of Poem: Craft in tears

Poem: I know how the heroes felt， when they fought to their last breaths. They gave their very lives upon gallows and to guns after marches and revolts. With winding speeches that soaked through skin of men with deaf ears; calling, beckoning, begging the people. But, the lines were drawn from the birth of the ages, to separate and segregate, isolate and decimate the ones we can't relate with. In the name of faith and love but have no faith or love For the sake of the wives in the afterlife. In the name of Valhalla. For need and greed. Against nature and diversity. For I am too black and you are too white and let's not count those in the east. To pillage and plunder in the names of kings and queens and gods and God, never yet seen. For the diamonds of the old country. And gold to ship across the seas. For just being different, we bring ourselves to our knees. So, if just but to save our own lives, let us learn to love all humankind.

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Bio: I am a 27-year-old Jamaican. I enjoy the beach, listening to music, reading, writing and singing. I am graduate of the Northern Caribbean University with a BSc. in Psychology. I think what I get is related to what I give, so I give as much as I can. I think to be happy all I need is an attitude of gratitude.

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Name: Jennifer Horgan

Gender: Female Country: Ireland

Title of Poem: Peace of our Minds

Poem: The driver’s words are tumours with teeth 'sure I’ve seen ‘em blacks fightin’ in our streets' His mouth, a gargoyle spout ink-snaked neck, algae, stone Young women blown across old bones 'Tell ya girl, soon Cork won’t be our own' Down the bend of road, he sidles into small talk His trip up North. 'Got the cataracts done. Got a deal living in a fog, and me behind the wheel! Fright to god I didn’t get killed' I scan these new eyes but there's no light in them only a child, trying to hide the fight in him. By the time we’ve arrived, I’m wishing him well Remembering again what it means – this being human

Bio: Jennifer Horgan is a teacher of English and ethics and a mother of three. Her work has appeared in Crossways literary magazine and the Children of the Nation poetry anthology. She has lived and worked in Abu Dhabi, East London and now, Cork City. She believes in the power of active listening to make real change and bring about peace.

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Name: Shiv Pratap Pal

Gender: Male Country: India

Title of Poem: Our Need

Poem: We need a cleanser To clean the air, to clean the water To clean the atmosphere, to clean the soil We need a cleanser To clean the minds, to clean the thoughts To clean the hearts, to clean the Souls We also need a blender To blend all these properly and transform the world Into a better place to live in With peace, harmony and luxury

Bio: I am from Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. I use to teach Computer Science and Applications to the students of Senior Secondary Classes in a school. Apart from teaching, I have a passion for creative writing in Hindi (My mother tongue) and English. My work has been published in leading literary magazines, newspapers and also on online platforms. I have also received some award and honors for my stories, poems and articles.

To name a two, I have been awarded Kamleshwar Smriti Katha Puraskar (Hindi story writing award given in memory of famous writer Kamleshwar) in 2013. Recently in 2019, received consolation prize in a poem competition named 'Pratilipi Kavita Sammaan - 2018' 594

Yazhini Sathiamoorthy India 595

Name: Yazhini Sathiamoorthy

Gender: Female Country: India

Title of Poem: Let Peace Be Natural

Poem: Ask me what makes me feel completely at peace; I'll say: a bird perched near my window, at ease. For I think we have never been far, From a full-fledged ecological war. Crowning ourselves as the Earth's masters, We've been creating devastating disasters. Wiping out species one by one, Usually armed with just greed and a gun. Plundering forests acre by acre, Can hardly be called a fair barter. Scattering the remains of our wasteful society, Is a blinding symbol of our unfulfillable satiety? So, if we share my dream of a peaceful life, Let us put an end to this Holocene strife.

Bio: I am a sixteen-year-old school girl - voracious reader, wildlife enthusiast and passionate writer. One of my essays on conservation has been published in a book, 'Pen to Paper'. I'm a keen environmentalist who cycles to school with the aim of reducing my carbon foot print. I can't help disliking people who don't try to curb the effect of their life styles on the planet. Being an army brat I have always loved exploring new places and the kind of people and animals that live there. 596

Name: Leon Raymond

Gender: Male Country: South Africa

Title of Poem: Death to war

Poem: When the rage of war turns blue skies grey You are neither black nor white The crimson floors and tears you wipe away Akin to strangers by your side Pain which flows from the chambers of your heart Is now clogged up in the same veins Brothers and sisters unnamed from the start Hold hands as clenched fists bring no gains Love lost speaks in a familiar tongue Empty colourless sounds in need of friends Strangest comfort knowing no race was won Flashbacks of what peace meant calls for amends What is yours is mine and contrariwise Our awakened minds now see the sun rise

Bio: I am a 28-year-old man on the pursuit of happiness. A BA Psychology Honours graduate fascinated by the human race. My experiences being mixed-race inspire me to write about how we are more alike than different. 597

I have worked in various fields but I am particularly interested in educational psychology. Travel, music, history, trivia, reading and family keeps me entertained. I am motivated by the thoughts of all my dreams becoming a reality.

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Name: Neha Yadav

Gender: Female Country: India

Title of Poem: Wrecked Price of Peace

Poem: Without water, when withered Hands hold high hope, Cowards come closer considering Why we want worth. Such struggles scarcely sustain solace; Wicked whispers wage war, Tears threaten to trickle, taking toll Children’s courage calms, cruelty chases close. Beauty beholding blind belief Dat dove-eyed dreams do declaim, Eventually emotions evoke Inspiring intellectual insolence. Desolate destiny dances drowning doom Pondering perhaps pride plunders peace.

Bio: Neha Yadav is currently pursuing Bachelor of Arts. She has an avid interest in different cultures and languages. In her leisure time, she designs dresses, pens poems and short stories, and partakes in gardening.

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Name: Darcey Dugan

Gender: Female Country: Ireland

Title of Poem: Another Island (Series of poems erased from pages of The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin (Darwin, Charles, and Gillian Beer. On the Origin of Species. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2008. p291, p325, p55.))

Poem: Pt. I Another island has extended space shallow and far- I channel both shores. Standing submerged in depth, I find even the animal depends on the lapse of time as the mainland exists independent of forms- aerial in belief I enter a body much disturbed.

Pt. II Different order, same habits of life, obscured- each still obeys as resemblance rises. 600

I remain aware that the butterfly is higher than I of simple eye- but to magnificent eyes: complex, imperfect, and fixed for life.

Pt.III Tremendous destruction, Advancing winter- Who will suffer most? Severe mortality runs North to South until finally disappearing; Tempted by false views we see our enemies descending mountains as we struggle with the elements for life While other species see gardens clearly, perfectly, and never resist- until through crowded animals a hand is raised.

Bio: Darcey is a 23-year-old female writer from Northern Ireland. She studies English with Creative Writing in Dublin and is currently working on a collection. So far she has been shortlisted in a UCD poetry competition, published in Harness Magazine, and achieved a merit in the Book of Kells Creative Competition. 601

Name: Bianka Felnerová

Gender: female Country: Slovakia

Title of Poem: The peaceful pleasance of the mind

Poem: In the turmoil of the presence, look up down and then, around. Enter your mind’s tranquil pleasance, observe raindrops pushing through the ground. Listen to the pervasive silence of the sunflower trying to face the sun. Resist deceitful rose’s thorns of violence whose harmful touch deserves no one.

Innocent pureness, but still suffering - white rain flowers, broken by strong wind. In the wind, dandelion’s seeds get carried away, not in a fight, but in a wish for a better today Don’t let those seeds go astray.

Bio: I am a passionate individual who is more of an observer than a speaker. Writing enables me to reach the audiences without the stress of facing a huge crowd. I am from a small village in the middle of Slovakia. I am 19 years old and I have just started studying Media and Communications at university in Scotland.

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Name: Susana Harthill

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Title of Poem: Work It Out

Poem: Hope, who would dwell in our hearts grant us your peace. Forgive us our wrong doing and our prejudices as we forgive those who offend us. Help us to stand firm as we face our flaws and guide us out of harms reach for we would be a part of your landscape and your power enables us, though yours alone is the glory.

Bio: Susana is a British page and performance poet and writer, with a background in nursing. She first used poetry as part of her nursing practice to alleviate the stress felt by some patients due to undergo surgery. Susana leads creative workshop and has been published on several occasions. She is currently researching a book about the Magi.

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Name: Joyce Ama Williams-Moreno

Gender: Female Country: Ghana

Title of Poem: With glee i say

Poem: Do you smell that? How fresh and clean the earth is. Do you feel that? The smoothness of each particle as they pass through my hands. Can you see that? The different shades of brown and red and their beautifully integrated colors. Can you hear that? The crunching of the ground as we each take a step.

It's funny to Say-I woke up one day- to realize that just like the soil of the earth, we too are clean with our minds and hearts eager to love and care. We too are smooth, with every touch and caress I can feel the tiny bumps that form where my fingers have grazed. We too are different colors and shades and all beautiful in our own little ways. And we too are resounding in our many decisions to be strong and take that one small yet giant leap for humanity.

Bio: Peace and diplomacy are guaranteed when we learn to embrace our diversity. 604

I have always been interested in writing poems and stories and I am a strong believer in encompassing one's values in everything.

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Name: Kalumba Mubanga

Gender: Male Country: Zambia

Title of Poem: Music Bestowed

Poem: The fiddler produces his last sound, leaving the audience in awe White noise blasts out the car radios city-wide, people awaiting more Trumpets are supposed to sound, when one is down Yet, to all’s surprise, they are not heard by even the cleanest ear Many wonder what has happened What has become of the music we so dearly enjoyed listening to?

Could our meddling with the maestro’s job? Our disruption of the melodious beauty, Have brought about the end of all joy? No! We must not let this go on We mustn’t let the world go down, Down without the wonderful piece of art Art for which we were bestowed to listen and share with our loved ones

Bio: I am a young aspiring author. My passion for art is displayed by my drawing, dancing, writing and little attempts at music. 606

All I would like to achieve in my life, after many years of living on this Earth, is a sense of true happiness - knowing that my talent has not been wasted and I have done my best as a human to help others.

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Name: Deivy Castellano

Gender: Male Country: Ecuador

Title of Poem: Robin

Poem: Robin

What do you see little robin from above? With your chest inflated, strutting, with contempt you look at us, as if you don't care, you look away from us and suddenly look up.

What is there? What is there that we have not already given you? Attention is what you ask? More applause is you looking for? Other eyes may look at you, but you're still the same, Small robin chest inflated.

Your little eyes look at everything you see the river flirt with the earth, to the trees playing to stand still, to the cicada and the cricket in serenade.

Bio: My name is Deivy Zambrano; I am from Ecuador. I'm 24 years old. I write for pleasure and relief, I like to read and write although I have not published a lot of works, I love poetry and its 608

dissemination. I would like that people around the world read more poetry and find beauty in the words, peace in the poems and love.

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Name: Angitha Bhattathiri

Gender: Female Country: India

Title of Poem: Rebuilding our lives.

Poem: Where passion cringe not for recognition, Where for love, sexuality is no precondition, Where we share our meals with third gender, Where pseudo honor diminishes not life's splendor.

Where my prosperity is not their oppression, Where my religion causes not their suppression, Where I fight not them for what they look or eat, Where I respect them for their dreams they greet.

Where one’s privacy is guarded, Where encroachment is retarded, Where boundaries are safe, Where young and brave is no longer in grave.

Let us together build an abode such, Where in peace we are when our worlds touch.

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Bio: I am a student of Literature from the beautiful lands of India. A Software Engineer by profession, I am still working towards my passion for poetry. I enjoy reading and love to immerse myself in the world books create for me. Growing up in a metropolitan, I crave to be closer to nature but the big city teaches me survival and acceptance. I dream to write relentlessly while I can make my life worthy to my family and society and eventually myself.

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Name: Eva Jackson

Gender: Female Country: North Macedonia

Title of Poem: To Claim or to Share

Poem: Our mother, she had birthed us here, To sway in wind and blades of grass, Take life from that which she had bloomed.

Our mother watched us brawl for her, Push others from the gifts she gave, Claim what is ours and not for them.

Our mother, she is cracked and bruised, Craters left from bombs we'd fired, Poisoned from our petty wars.

But if we could in that wind sway, Perhaps from us she'd heal and bloom.

Bio: I am a 22-year-old amateur poet and fiction writer. Though I am originally from Ireland, I moved to North Macedonia once I graduated from secondary school. Ever since I was a young child, I loved writing stories and poems. Though they weren't always good back then, I always felt a sense of pride after completing a piece. Now, years later, I've decided to pursue this passion. 612

Name: Olaleke James

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Title of Poem: The peaceful land of my dreams

Poem: Peace like a sea clear and still free from tumbling and upsetting waves, Is my wish for my land? That far and near my land will be adored for Peace.

Where we love each other regardless of our differences, Where our students go to school unafraid of being abducted, Where we move around unafraid of a straight bullet flying across, Where our homes are secure whether we are around or not.

Where the radio does not speak of terrifying news of conflicts, Where we worship freely without being attacked. A land where foreigners come to take refuge. Sadly, my land is not in the state I desire.

I pray that my dreams come true for my land That tranquility and love would abound.

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Bio: My name is Olaleke James Olaitan, I hail from Ejigbo, in Osun state, Nigeria. I am seventeen-year-old. I was born on 3rd February 2002. I graduated from secondary school last year. Currently seeking admission into the tertiary institution. I have always loved reading and writing right from my childhood.

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Name: Andreea Manu

Gender: Female Country: Romania

Title of Poem: How Do You Picture Peace

Poem: I am afraid that one day when sitting at my favorite table with my sweetheart the pub will blow up how many bombs do they have to drop?

Train the children of tomorrow to smell the danger and embrace the taste of peace - maybe their children will grow to be free

I go back to sleep and then mighty survivors rebuild dreams from pieces Bio: Punk lover, addicted to poetry, theater and coffee. Born in Romania. Passionate hiker who wants to save the last virgin forests in my home country. Constantly trying to improve the place I live in. Curious, creative, sometimes lazy. Currently trying to find my true direction in life. 615

Name: Megan Zissler

Gender: Female Country: United States

Title of Poem: Unity

Poem: Plunge into the flowing river Floating arms above Immersing body Melt away As all becomes as one

Rapid waters flowing fast Euphonious of sound Glistening water in the sun The truth is always found

Heightened joy inside the heart Euphoric sense of free Float away down to the state Of nothing left to be

Bio: This poem is about true inner peace and acceptance in unity of all.

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Name: Lorautsa

Gender: Female Country: Spain

Title of Poem: Morning sky

Poem: Just awakened and still sleepy a blending toned sky, wrapping. Completely still and motionless, a continuously changing sky, wrapping. Lifeless and dull, some could claim and yet, full of life, wrapping. Playful birds, ducks, flies and bees above flowers, bushes and trees. Invading me, all I breathe and all I see (and all I do not, but still exists) equally wraps you and wraps me. Far beyond human kind, the embrace of a morning sky that’s my peace.

Bio: A biologist that loves nature and writing.

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Name: Nicola Evans

Gender: Female Country: Germany

Title of Poem: shining, burning, bursting through

Poem: I see them in the freshly popped daffodils, Lulled and stooped on the Nottingham hills – Shining, burning, bursting through Like sunlight scattered across morning dew.

Fifty golden soldiers pray in regimental row, As saplings ebb their mighty way through snow. Their broken bodies endure until Winter is won: Stems shiver so I can bathe greedily in the sun.

Is this the peace men craved for all those years? Beneath fancy hats, eyes crescendo frantic tears. Seasons change but yellow legacies will withstand With one pluck, we walk together, hand in hand.

Bio: I am a twenty-year-old student from London, currently on my year abroad in Germany. I first found my passion for poetry at school, where I was elected as Student Laureate. Since then, I have been running my own personal poetry blog. Living abroad has definitely opened my eyes to new experiences and has shaped my poetry as a result.

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Name: Louis K Nero

Gender: Male Country: South Africa

Title of Poem: Search for peace

Poem: Peace oh peace oh holy grail For long I sought now hope is frail Within me dwells a beast untamed Villains rule and heroes are maimed Many dooms abide in this land of pain Army troops collide in my backyard again.

It won't be long before my brother is slain My heart is bleeding; all love is drained. It won't be long before I fail to contain This cage of rage that rattles each day. Have i been shamed with curse's taint My search for peace is still in vain

Bio: Louis K Nero is a journalism student in Johannesburg, South Africa. He is a freelance writer with diverse writing skills which include creative writing and copy writing. Louis is also a certified Arrivedo writer who writes for travel, curating content for hotels. He has also written various poems, songs and short stories and is an aspiring screenplay writer.

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Name: Tikki Saram

Gender: Female Country: Ireland

Title of Poem: Eirene Waits and Weeps

Poem: The war on Peace is the work of Man. He stands on still sand in a cut-throat cape, Towering his talk of stalk and scape And converting with gore to paternal plan. With this he penetrated, pierced the pan — The blood born sword of the reign of rape: The furious phallus of The Naked Ape. With the wake of this weapon the war began. And here is the Other, the stifled Hour — Heaving her horn of menstrual blood. Taken and stolen her patience and power; Pulled under sludge of fateless flood: She waits and wishes and hopes for flower, With nothing to nip or nurture the bud.

Bio: Tikki Saram is a pansexual poet and literary critic from Ireland. She is the editor of the poetry blog Tikki's Thoughts. Her work focuses on equality, inclusivity, social justice and peace, especially within the queer community. An independent scholar of literature and gender studies, her work has been published internationally.

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Name: Anthony Itopa Obaro

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Title of Poem: MAKING A HEAVEN OF OUR WORLD

Poem: If we can forgive a wrong and ask to be forgiven our wrong, if we sing songs of brotherly love (knowing we all descend from Adam) and can live up to each song, if we permit not ourselves to wander off the path of peace, we shall not ever wake in the morn to the roars of machine guns but to the songs of birds. A heaven on earth is possible, only we must be responsible.

Bio: Anthony Itopa Obaro is a Nigerian writer. A teacher by profession, he won the 2015 Inspired by Gandhi Poetry Competition in UK, and was a runner-up at 2013 Eurostemcell Science Poetry Competition also in UK.

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Name: Mudit Sehgal

Gender: Male Country: India

Title of Poem: Eternal Peace

Poem: Seldom thought of a beauty around That smart bird with chirpy sound Deep in the river was water’s mild flowing sound Astonished by the peace in melodious serene I mumble my sense of awe to an expression wild Nature’s peace and things bit mild

I compared the noise of city and traffic around Those people and that sound Some for trade digging over and over with that spade Few for power, few for money that’s how it looks what we made I mumble my sense of awe to an expression sad Nature’s peace and things bit hard All in all, one to go and that’s how the things grow I wish beauty of smile in miles, Peace in all is my wish to sow…

Bio: I am a 33 years old Chartered Accountant form India who wishes to travel around to experience the beauty and life, wishing to Explore to fine tune with poetic thought, the only sense of peace he has experienced so far is in poetic thought of life and is looking forward to add value to society through poetry by way of sharing abstract thoughts. Life is Love. 622

Name: Luis Calabria

Gender: Male Country: UK

Title of Poem: Peaceful at Last

Poem: A grey-white floor blemished only by the effects of birds’ feet.

A silent expanse of leafless trees clawing at a still red sky.

The sea lapped the shore like a metronome, rhythmic, consistent, yet altered.

MAD no longer meant safe in a world led by fools.

From pole to pole, destruction has been mutually ensured.

The sun rises on a world spoilt and renewed by the whims of man.

Among the ash, the birds and the plants were peaceful at last

Bio: My name is Luis, and I am 27-year-old assistant psychologist living is Scotland. I have been writing poetry for about a year and have really started to enjoy the process of feeling inspired then trying to pen that feeling poetically. Living in this time in history, I wondered if the only true opportunity for peace on this might be once we have successfully annihilated one another. Cheery right!

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Name: Emmanuel Springbok

Gender: Male Country: South Africa

Title of Poem: No More

Poem: I often hear gunshots from my window where from? I don’t know where is the love? where is the peace? no missiles of liberation for the good no more hiding in the hood no more anxiety running on foot no more eye for an eye no more beloveds die our wish in a dream our hope in reality

Bio: Born in Cape Town South Africa by grandparents (only child of single parent) and raised primitive on farm for 15 years. Represented my country internationally (World Student X Country Championships in Limerick Ireland 1994) and National Captain to Cugsa African student championships in Mozambique Maputo. Engineering Surveying graduate at Cape Peninsula University of Technology 2004. Started writing 2019 and 3 February 2020 first Poetry book to be published. January 2020 BBC 624

International Radio Playwriting Competition entrant. Since 2019 Part-Time B Tech Degree Quality Management student.

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Name: Eden Benibo

Gender: Female Country: Nigeria

Title of Poem: Inside Out

Poem: In the steps we take, dancing to the melodies of our heartbeats

In the evergreen smiles that remain, when the rays of kindness are released

In the laughter we share from a single bowl of sweet memories, on days that seem familiar

The pieces of our peace lie within us.

Bio: Eden Benibo is a writer and poet currently in the phase of moving from the comfort of only inking the stories she bears to voicing them. The art of writing and storytelling is her essence. Her works have been published on platforms such as: The Evergreen Poetry Journal, The Kalahari Review, Praxis Magazine, New England Review and others.

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Name: Swati Singh Pal

Gender: Female Country: India

Title of Poem: No Weapons Please

Poem: Swords and Bayonets Guns and Gunpowder Missiles and Fighter jets Sophisticated nuclear weapons Always promise to establish peace

But every time they fail and fail As they are just killing monster They can brutally kill everyone They are suicidal for human race Peace can only be achieved by love

Bio: My name is Swati Singh Pal. I'm not a writer at all. Currently pursuing B. Tech in Computer Science Most of the time busy in studies Optimistic Nature lover 627

Name: Ragnhild Møgedal

Gender: Female Country: Norway

Title of Poem: Piece

Poem: Where silence reigns Peace is undefeated

Where chaos gains Peace is uncompleted

Peace may be broken Yet the pieces still remain

Peace may be woken Peace may regain

Bio: I am 23 years old and studying towards a bachelor’s in Geology. I love to dance, read and write, and I spend most of my free time doing what I love. I grew up in a house with my parents, grandparents and younger sister, and I enjoy a close relationship with them all. My life as a whole has been peaceful, a fact I do my best to appreciate.

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Name: Ashlyn Rose Peralta

Gender: Female Country: United States

Title of Poem: In Spite of Fate

Poem: The Universe cradles gently the orneriest of hearts, her child, who, for desperation weeps. Despondence, who billows like a freckled mist to encompass the foreign harmony, to a wave of the perpetual fingers fades. “Most beloved child, progeny of the blissful hues of Eden and the flames of eternal Hell, to what do you owe your anguish? “Noble cub, a murmuring brook tells not, but water’s still image upon your gaze displays no truer criminal; ignorance above all else your greatest hindrance, offspring, enlighten oneself; and declare independence from misery rightfully humbled. “Fate has Man misconceived. Bound not, child, the laws of perpetuity to you do not apply.” Trembling skin of the Universe’s, most beloved; Her star-glossed lips mingle, releasing whispers savage to let fly the sweet eurekas of existence: “Progeny of the forces of time, child, listen, for beyond conception, you are powerful. A wolf lies not indoors, therefore, permit not yourself the worlds to tame. Beautiful child, beloved spirit of my own, lament no longer. Lament no longer.”

Bio: A girl from Texas; thoughtful and seeking to understand the universe on her own terms, and in her own words; a free-thinker; one who desires life beyond mediocrity, life beyond small towns and what is expected; someone who seeks to change the world; someone who knows her potential and refuses to squander it.

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Name: Stephen P. Thompson

Gender: male Country: United Kingdom

Title of Poem: Why did they fight?

Poem: We are friends, with hands around the world Delighting in differences, but feeling the same Embracing each unique and individual way Dancing to the music of many different tongues Our songs are diverse, yet with voices we sing Grown from the same fruit of the same Human tree But our grandparents fought, parents did not speak With minds too far apart to ever even meet Preferring instead bloodshed and hate And for what? They have passed, their world gone It’s our world now and today our new dawn Their fight is not our fight, their arguments end Why did they fight? It has to have been so that we can be friends

Bio: I am a scientist, songwriter and author. In science I search for the origins of life and the material world and am well known in certain fields through my academic work on cosmic matter. In music I search for the joy of life, documenting experiences through lyrics, rhythm and melody. I have recorded and performed extensively in the UK and beyond. In writing I search for the meaning of life through the nightmares, dreams and thoughts of my own imagination. 630

Name: Pavithra Manghaipathy

Gender: Female Country: United Arab Emirates

Title of Poem: Forgotten Children of Time

Poem: I have spilt my soul as time ripped me apart, Unseen, unheard and lost, But I know I am not alone. They say our time will come, But we are the forgotten children of time. So, forget the voice in your head, the void in your heart, Forget time, Let us exist in a harmonious now, With the past in front of me, I will walk backwards into my future, I don’t fear falling for I believe in our gravity. We are one light, We are one voice, We are one new world, not lost because we have each other.

Bio: I am an aerospace engineer with an adventurer’s heart. I’ve lived, studied and worked in three different continents, making dear friends along the way. I truly believe in the power of love and friendship transcending any and all boundaries because I am proof that love saves you. No matter where we come from, we are all lonely, but we are never alone. I believe that the future of the world, the future of peace, will come from love and embracing all forms and kinds of love. 631

Love, like gravity, transcends time and space and I want to remind everyone that you always have people by your side so just believe and be there for each other.

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Name: Ava Ní Loingsigh

Gender: Female Country: Ireland

Title of Poem: Playing House

Poem: Playing House As children we fight on the yard, Over who gets to be in charge, The teacher saves us stopping things before they get too far, “Power corrupts but a power suit corrupts fancy suitly”, We’re taught kindness, we’re taught fairness, we’re taught to be good, We’re taught all these lessons are whether or not they’re understood, Mammy’d kill us if we were to scream and shout, When we’re small we’re taught to be the bigger person to always ‘hug it out,’ Politics is like a school yard and sometimes prime time is genuinely funny, Politicians argue like children no matter who it is that’s running, There’s no need to be satirical these things parody themselves, Acts are 2D on paper but mismatched policies are felt, A vote is a privilege it’d be rude not to exercise, It’s your job to inform yourself, even the most complicated things can be demystified.

Bio: Ava Ní Loingsigh is a 19-year-old poet from Cork, Ireland. Ava is a bilingual poet who writes as Gaeilge (in Irish) and in English. Ava has had some local success. Ava's poetry tries to take a neutral stance in everything and tries to take a lighthearted view on things, lest anything be misconstrued. Like one of her favourite poet's WB Yeats she doesn't see the point in taking 633

political stances in her work and instead tries to focus on the things she thinks are beautiful for example; nature and friendship.

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Name: Shelley Corcoran

Gender: Female Country: Ireland

Title of Poem: Depositing love

Poem: Wary of a world with War Wondering what it all is for Seeing suffering in others sight Wondering if somehow we can unite

Depositing love wherever we live Is something we can all manage to give Creating peace for us to survive Brings harmony for us to thrive

Voice your view vigorously Listen to others generously Appreciate the cultures we meet each day Create a world where everyone has a say

Bio: After studying English at University, I travelled the World, which has greatly influenced my poetry. The visual arts have always been a love of mine, since childhood. I was also drawn to poetry, as a child, which led to joining the local writers group and enjoying publication of my work.

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My degree in photography, which has led to my career as a photographer has always complimented my poetry. As an art photographer I create visual images and as a poet, I create intellectual images. Being passionate about what I do is essential for me to be creative.

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Sinan Tükenmez Turkey

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Name: Sinan Tükenmez

Gender: Male Country: Turkey

Title of Poem: For What They Missed

Poem: For long, heaven witnessed no goodness or mercy. Having witnessed with overbearing intimacy “Gold or glory, you adore. Truly, is what this life for,” The sky spilled what it bore.

Yet, the earth still offered its forgiveness. And so quickly ceased to exist, bitterness. In their heart with splendid bliss For they did eagerly miss All flowers blossomed in peace.

Bio: I am a student at Middle East Technical University. I've been studying Teaching English as a Foreign Language for about 5 years and I am at my final year. I'm interested in poem and creative writing (especially fiction). After graduation I will search for scholarship to study my master degree. Till then, I will be writing and reading each possible time.

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Name: Harpreet Kaur Baweja

Gender: Female Country: India

Title of Poem: Let Peace Be Our God

Poem: “Let Peace Be Our God”

Embrace love; embrace peace Say no to war; say yes to bliss. Fall for friendship; fall for unity Build harmony for the good of humanity. Strive for justice; strive for liberty Work for equality, peace and amity. Dream for a better world and a greener earth Fill this world with joy, peace and mirth! Let the flora, the fauna and the humankind Live in harmony over land, in water and the sky. Let peace abide everywhere; let peace adorn all Peace’s the soul’s symphony; let peace be our God! Ever sing the songs of peace in strife and storm Ever strive to build a world aglow with warmth!

Bio: I am Harpreet Kaur Baweja. I am a teacher. I like creative work. My interests are reading and writing poetry, singing and composing music and cooking. I strongly believe that education 639

becomes truly meaningful by bringing about the culture of head, heart and soul in an individual. I love the company of books, nature and children.

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Name: Mohit Khanduri

Gender: Male Country: India

Title of Poem: A Poet's Request

Poem: O my heavy heart, do not weep. Gone are the days when the slaves fought The Blacks rebelled and the Eastern earth united together against tyranny. Now, the peace is guaranteed by the men of arms. The conferences, the meetings of powerful men conceal the market lion Selling weapons across all seas to spread the peace. One voice is enough to change the wind. One religion of love can claim only love. Non-violent acceptance of disagreements what I preach everywhere.

Bio: A 26-year-old Indian Poet who writes to pen down his thoughts about the Nature and the world around him. I am from Garhwal and loves Keats, Shelley and Robert Frost.

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Name: Isaiah Rain Maynard

Gender: Male Country: United States of America

Title of Poem: Peace Is Not Always Silent

Poem: Peace is not always silent Peace is not always still I know because I watch, and I listen while the wind weaves itself through the woods with gentle precision—touching with its invisible hands; the leaves and tall grasses I hear them whispering as they bend as if they cannot contain their overwhelming ecstasy for their opportunity to again be tickled by the zephyr of creation—so Peace is not always silent, Peace is not always still Peace is deliverance; it is nature’s will

Bio: Isaiah Rain Maynard is a native of Colorado, but spends much of his time wandering as far and wide as he can. He takes his inspiration from nature; where encounters with the divine are rare glimpses into the ephemeral reality of life.

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Name: Mafalda Sofia F. Machado

Gender: Female Country: Portugal

Title of Poem: Sounds of Peace

Poem: Early morning, When you breathe with meaning, Listening to the song of the birds outside, Your world have nothing of mundane, And is why I ask if is peace so difficult to find? Short after, what was simple became challenging, And you are no longer alone. Billions of murmours, The sounds are not clear anymore, Peace needs to find a way to be!

Bio: I have 44 years old and I always had in my soul the need to talk by written words. Poetry is being part of my life since i learned how to write. My favourite poet is Fernando Pessoa but my favorite poem is from an unknown poet and is about gardens and our souls. Also I love my Family (dogs including), nature and simple things.

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Name: Marni J Leonard

Gender: Female Country: Ireland

Title of Poem: Be Human. See Human

Poem: Do away With the reductive notions Of sex Colour Culture and Tradition Underneath will be

Only human

Bio: Marni J Leonard Visual artist and writer

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Ruth McTiernan United Kingdom 645

Name: Ruth McTiernan

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Title of Poem: Dreaming in green

Poem: Borne on harsh tides Parched by furious drought Grasped tight by winter's white claws Seeds dream in green.

Verdant dreams Bathed in spring warmth Of rich earth cradling And mellow rain's pitter-patter.

To unfurl from slumber And stretch - Delicate and trembling Toward the light.

Bio: Seeds, like people, cannot grow without being nurtured. In times of upheaval and chaos, there can be little growth of the personal or societal kind - the arts will not flourish, people suffer as the seeds do in harsh winters or droughts and wait, hoping for better times - hoping for peace to give them room to grow and flourish again.

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Name: Craig Rice

Gender: Male Country: U.S.A.

Title of Poem: Cry

Poem: I stand amidst my brothers; a bereaved sky above Weeping for our fate, drenching us in its sorrow. The captain gives the order and we lurch forward. Metal screams through air; men scream upon ground. We bring glory to our god and country. Awakening to a familiar city violated by humming, I race down dead streets stalked by the drone. My child’s cries reach me as I reach my door, Her mother’s comforting voice, shaky in response. Sirens’ cries erupt; buzzing accosts the city Sky-born metal murders excrete wailing death I breach the door as the world is torn asunder. The dust settles. The sky clears. Knees meet dirt. The cries are no more.

Bio: I am a veteran of the US Air Force currently enrolled in college. I have traveled to Afghanistan and South Korea and my experience with other cultures has only reinforced the idea that we are all human. I am trying to start a career in writing and hope that I can perhaps make a difference in the world by highlighting issues we face as humans.

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Name: Abudu-Bhadmus Omolabake Ruth

Gender: Female Country: Nigeria

Title of Poem: A Message from Beyond

Poem: I heard a call from above, I looked up and it was a dove. It landed its flaps on my window sill, Wiggled its tail, and began a tale.

I see all from beyond, The hate and strife that birth bombs. If you would let me, I would give you a gift, Of a quiet spirit, gentle calm and bestilled soul. All from my best friend called, peace. Let the wickedness of the wicked end, Bind your love chords together, Strong enough to never bend. To all nations this message does send.

Bio: I am a strong believer of unity. The sheer thought of war between countries displeases me. I love art and creativity. Poems are my therapy and they come from deep within. I express my emotions effectively through poems. I appreciate equality in societies.

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Name: Ecesu Bozkurt

Gender: female Country: Turkey

Title of Poem: Sweet and Peaceful

Poem: Linger in the air, from night until the light cotton-candy-coloured ships on cerulean seas 7 of porcelain, surround and conquer. No lead in the atmosphere, broken and fixed up with caramel, fairy dust in the wind, and I want and want and want.

Melt and bake; a red velvet universe, sweet and splendid and ours.

So soft and warm, take me with. Come in love, come in peace and, slowly, serve me my dream.

Bio: I am Ecesu Bozkurt, and am a sixteen-year-old resident of Istanbul. I am in my third year of high school and I spend my free time having fun and trying to determine what I want to do with my life; which eventually comes back to writing. I am hoping to study law and literature abroad in the future.

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Name: Ashley Polihronakis

Gender: female Country: United States

Title of Poem: The Other Side

Poem: Peace is a thing That costs nothing, But the courage it takes To sit still long enough To hear the other side.

Bio: Ashley Polihronakis grew up in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, just a quarter mile from her grandparents’ apple orchard in Upstate New York. Drawing heavily from the surrounding landscape, she began a prolific career in songwriting at the age of 17 and performs under the stage name, Ashley Sofia.

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Name: Brenda Bazilio dos Santos

Gender: Female Country: Brazil

Title of Poem: Products of War

Poem: this country is so fragile and young to be thrust into a warmonger’s lust aspiring for nothing but the false promise of salt and victory those who once fantasized of peace now weep over dreams filled with blood both from our friends and foes as the afterbirth of nations’ rising draws near the smoke thickens on our lungs while blue light shines on thousands of heavy eyes as I yearn, passionately yet silently for the epilogue of this delirious zealotry

Bio: I'm a 17 years old brazilian girl who aspires to be a psychologist in the future. I'm extremely passionate about humanities (there will always be a space in my heart for history and literature), and I plan on acquiring as much knowlegde as I can with the time I have.

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Tkeisha Alicia Waaldijk Guyana 652

Name: Tkeisha Alicia Waaldijk

Gender: Female Country: Guyana

Title of Poem: A New World

Poem: When I think of peace, I taste a glimpse of a new world order, a golden age; where we no longer see the world in black and white, but a colorful unlimited array of boundless beauty that cannot be contained, I see the world through the eyes of a child, I see the world just like the picturesque view of countless species of flowers in a garden, though unique, together in absolute unity, With the understanding that in everything, love conquers, and in everything, there is beauty.

Bio: I am a 21-year-old Guyanese law student who has a love and passion for the Arts. I love poetry, prose, drama, painting, amongst other things. The Arts, particularly poetry, is an amazing platform for self-expression that I highly appreciate.

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Name: Anne Casey

Gender: Female Country: Australia

Title of Poem: to be at once within & outside of oneself

Poem: as a bird takes in the sky as the earth sustains a body as a speck drifts in space as the shore receives the ocean as feet wear a path as a heart carries love as light cedes to darkness as darkness cedes to light as love carries a heart as a path wears feet as the ocean receives the shore as space drifts in a speck as a body sustains the earth as the sky takes in a bird

Bio: A journalist, magazine editor, legal author and media communications director for 30 years, Anne Casey is author of two poetry collections. Her work is widely published internationally and ranks in The Irish Times' Most Read. She has won/shortlisted for poetry prizes in Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK, the USA, Canada, Hong Kong and Australia. 654

Name: Ivanilze Cunha Couto Estácio

Gender: female Country: Brazil

Title of Poem: Peace, inside out!

Poem: Peace, inside out!

― You can say what you want... but I prefer a peaceful life, with less intolerance and violence…

― You can insult me as much as you like, for I will take your nouns and verbs, break them down into vowels and consonants, shake them up and turn them inside out...

And then I will slowly compose, a friendly song, new nouns and verbs, carefully arranged, enchanting the other senses...

Bio: Iva Estácio (Ivanilze Cunha Couto Estácio, born in 1954) is a Brazilian writer, composer and librarian. Competitions: 1) Poem chosen for publication in I Mostra Literária da USP: contos 655

e poemas; 2) One of 15 finalists in Concurso Ataulfo Alves de Samba, Miraí, MG, 2009. About to launch her first anthology of poetry, with ecological and social themes.

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Name: Nneoma Imo

Gender: Female Country: US

Title of Poem: Pandora's Jar

Poem: A harsh war had since raged on As boundaries, in the dark, were drawn And prejudice upon faces rose with dawn

White poppies grew tall in reminiscence But, Echoes for peace were heard in the midst of hell And towards war, they would lean, After, Signs of peace settling in could be seen Though it be an illusion in lengthy detail, And Within close boundaries, because peace roamed many agreed to disregard unless it encroached. Where were we to go from here!

Bio: I am a human who loves interacting and understanding other cultures. Since the day i arrived in a country that exudes a vibrancy that can't be attributed to one culture alone, i have grown to admire what makes me and others unique as well as what connects us together. i hope to be able to spread this idea with others through my poems.

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Name: Carey Link

Gender: Female Country: United States

Title of Poem: Trust

Poem: with my back turned I take a chance on outstretched arms-- and find the cradle of a bridge-- a rite of passage. a miracle between Earth and sky sways somewhere on the roundness of a breath.

Bio: Carey Link is from Huntsville, Alabama. Carey has been writing poetry since she was a teenager. She has published two poetry collections, WHAT IT MEANS TO CLIMB A TREE (Finishing Line Press) and AWAKENING TO HOLES IN THE ARC OF SUN (Mule on a Ferris Wheel). Carey's poems have appeared in POEM, SURVIVOR'S REVIEW, and elsewhere.

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Grace de Sá England

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Name: Grace de Sá

Gender: Female Country: England

Title of Poem: Within You

Poem: Brave-hearted budding teen, peering out to greet the orange beam.

The streets don’t appear as bleak filled with this light, and a hopeless soul isn’t as broken after emerging from its fight.

An aged city in which you grew, presents the backstory of who once was you.

A weak smile followed by a single tear, even the sun rises after the darkest year.

Bio: I’m 19 and have struggled with peace my whole life; whether it be mental or in any other form. This poem signifies a war inside a young mind finally being won and finding inner peace. Thinking and writing on the subject of peace has been harder than I’d originally thought.

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Name: Sana Khalid

Gender: Female Country: Pakistan

Title of Poem: The King of Wisdom

Poem: Everything is waiting for winter Leaves are on the ground Trees have become without leaves but standing Autumn is ready to be disappear Birds are moving for shelters Rivers are preparing to freeze He gave sense to every living thing Nothing can be in danger Everything has to be safe Wisdom is given to the human being All have ability to protect He “The Wise “ The King of Wisdom Who secures His world He is the King of Kingdom This universe is His empire

Bio: Respected Person, 661

I have done Masters in Urdu, B. ED, M. ED and M.A Diploma TEFL. I'm a teacher and Educationist. I write English poems with having my own YouTube channel. Regards,

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Name: Amy Louise Wyatt

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Making Fairy Buns

I couldn’t tell you the recipe now: no one could, nor would want to. No longing to know measurements nor times; no desire to exact flour; weigh sugar or cut yellow butter into right chunks. Instead we used cups and half cups; handfuls and pinches; sprinklings and dustings: we set the rules of our world aside. For here in the recess of a cup, is room to hold what we need, to make everything turn out right.

Bio: Amy Louise Wyatt is a poet from Bangor. Her work is published in a range of Irish and international journals. Amy was shortlisted for both the Seamus Heaney Award 2018 and The Dempsey and Windle National Poetry Day Competition 2019. She was a finalist in The National Funeral Services Poetry Competition in 2017; and was nominated for 2019 Best of Net. Amy won the inaugural Poetrygram Prize, 2019. She is the founding editor of The Bangor Literary Journal and her debut poetry pamphlet ‘A Language I Understand’ is forthcoming in 2020 with Indigo Dreams.

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Name: Psalm Samuel Jabez S. Trinidad

Gender: Male Country: Philippines

Poem: Let's Bring Peace let's bring peace to our world Chaos destroys human being what does war do to us it destroys our camaraderie destroying countries population by elimination bringing disease from a nuclear breach war breaks down and destroy tourist attractions. so, let's stop the war and chill if we start bringing peace to our world. many families will be complete, many helps will be accompanied, and natures will be saved and complete. so, let's bring peace to our world starting with you and me

Bio: Psalm Samuel Jabez S. Trinidad Grade 10 Student at LAMLC in San Agustin Iba, Zambales Philippines A violinist and member of Ang Misyon Children's Orchestra of the Filipino Youth 664

Name: Mrigakhi Saikia

Gender: Female Country: India

Poem: “Peace” Glancing the birds up in the sky a thought popped up in my mind, How peaceful they seem to be as they fly far and wide with grace following side by side. Symbolizing the fact that power is not the element to compete with the fellow entities but to guide other to act wisely, I see every element whether living or non- living carrying out their role with great grit and respectability. If the very essence of “peace” is to uphold the feeling of love and harmony as stated by mankind who are called the wisest living beings, Then why is that we humans are still starving and crying out for serenity even though they know that they can do any and everything to make a peaceful living. But alas! all I can witness today is a total state of unrest prevailing in that of nations as well within provinces which exist within it depicting a unique cultural identity, On the other hand, whenever my eyes get on to that of the adorable nature surrounding each and every one like me my eyes fills up with tears in praise of it’s great divinity; Often I feel like seeking opinion from that of the animals who even though are not considered wise like that of us but they are far better than us as they know how to take care of the mother earth with utmost honor and dignity. My heart agonizes the moment my eyes falls in the gazette which clearly reflects the decline of compassion amongst humans as they know not what they are about to lose if they don’t change their attitude, Peace is not a commodity that can be bought with money but a divine quality that one need to inculcate within themselves and spread the message of peace everywhere and the least one can do is to convey one’s gratitude. 665

It is my humble request to the entire humanity that peace starts with you so don’t attend the peace conventions if you know not what peace actually is as peace cannot be found in money, It can make you happy, but cannot bring peace to your mind and spirit as the so-called power in the form of money shall ruin your life and one day will surely come when you shall peek your own death ceremony. --- Mrigakhi Saikia.

Bio: I come from a small town in the state of Assam located in the North-Eastern region of India. My name is Mrigakhi Saikia and I am a graduate of Cotton University. I am a positive human being and I look for goodness everywhere.

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Name: Balaban Roxana

Gender: female Country: Romania

Poem: The peace before the war, the first was peace. after the war, the blood pool makes us accomplices. carefree, without blood in the veins, we are driven without destination, caring hatred instead of love. why is not the love only religion? are we the enemies of our own brothers? humanity is diminishing, with bullets, will cannot defend our freedom.

I read the concern on their face, life can be so fragile sometimes. do not let war learn our lives, life takes precedence over death. Balaban Roxana

Bio: Hi! My name is Roxana, I am 28 years old and I live in Romania. I am human! I am more than I look and less than I had. I am those thousands of kilometers that I walked with my feet burning inside, but also those kilometers that did not lead me in a good direction. I am master of 667

life but I still have expectations. Sometimes I feel fragile when life does not give me the guarantee that I will be able to survive in front of a galaxy.

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Name: Salawu Moshood Ayomide

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: Where there's peace in a country, The citizen’s liaisons love, peace and harmony Without fear everyone attains tranquility Numbs no longer becomes strategic And when supremacism and the likes evanesces, Barely will killing of innocent exist When there are no more Cain like humans on earth, Fratricide and synonyms also vanishes When racism violates its denotative meanings Bigotry and its correspondence fades completely And if religious intolerance is dealt with, And no more disagreement amongst doctrines And every individual maintains of solidarity That means there is no longing for the word peace.

Name: Salawu moshood Ayomide

Bio: Name: Salawu moshood Ayomide I am a student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso in Oyo state I am student of mechanical engineering 669

Precisly a 300 level student I am 21 years old and a Muslim I am also a poet, spoken word artist and involve myself in acrobatics.

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Name: Jonifah Richard

Gender: Agender/nonbinary Country: England

Poem: With the rest of you

Often I wish the fingers that wove the strands Of time had forgotten Mine. Why? The screeching corporate war machine, razes Peoples and trees. My festering anxiety. So when the sweet dawn rings with verses of unrest And songs of protest. We will cleave the metal sheets from the machine Piece by piece. Till then, I will no longer ask that which made me “Why a person?”, If that is what I must be to start anew With the rest of you.

Bio: I am Jonifah Richard, a 20-year-old Modern Languages student from the island of Anguilla. I'm particularly interested in people and how we shape the world around us and each other. I believe that poetry is one of the ways in which we do this.

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Name: Aria Malaynikoo

Gender: Male Country: Iran (Live in Cyprus)

Poem: Time wait peace is coming

Time your cruel rider on shoulder of our lives On your command Sun sets, rain falls Wait a moment bullet can be stopped Without peace my innocent girl never again wakes up Give me a moment to tell you all Time, It is possible it’s a possible dream They will understand, peace will begin We will pass street My child holding my hand eating ice-cream Time wait don’t ruin this dream Let them bring, white Flag at last Nobody shoots, everybody laugh Time you cruel rider, you never stopped Bullet passed, my dream died

Bio: I was born in 1990 in the Tehran. As a middle eastern peace is a really meaningful word for me. Having a master degree in Civil engineering helped me to build better places for people. More than 15 years i write poems that they describe my feelings about war, sanction and love.

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Name: Nikita P. Pusalkar

Gender: Female Country: India

Poem: I saw peace.

I discovered peace all over the world, But I failed when I fed that hungry child I saw peace in his eyes A human had fallen and people were laughing at him I extended my hand and helped him I saw the peace in his smile

When I released that innocent bird from the cage I saw peace in that bird flight

Finally, my search ended at my house When I took care of my parents I saw peace in my own home

Bio: I am a writer and painter Writing is my passion I have written two poems so far One is in Hindi language and the other is in English 673

Eman Aldajah United Arab Emirates 674

Name: Eman Aldajah

Gender: Female Country: United Arab Emirates

Poem: Songs of Peace

Winds of breath so sweet Kiss the rose’s cheeks That on his breast lie. He woke from nightmares done Where now peace of peace with their wings fly, Above him, in the starlit sky. However, this soldier couldn’t sleep in this land’s embrace For fears of the life he knew, Stole his heart’s grace Memory revived, wars beyond wild lakes Where silence by every bomb murdered. But in this land, birds of promise open their throats, Bringing him back to heaven’s hopeful touch To listen forever to songs of songs of peace.

Bio: Hello, my name is Eman. I’m 18 years old and I’m from Chicago, IL. I’m a senior in high school in the United Arab Emirates and absolutely love poetry! I hope to publish my poems one day, and even write a novel. I’m honored to participate and submit my original poem entitled ‘Songs of Peace’. Hope you like it!

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Name: Julia P Vu

Gender: female Country: United States

Poem: there is an entire garden growing from a black hole in my mind, a desolateness spilling with blossoming perennial vines and towering conifers, the soil crawling with insects, filled with more life than not. a botanical wonderland. yet i didn’t notice that at some point, i stopped breathing. the vivid inflorescences withered into sagging carcasses, wriggling of maggots. and from the despair pervading the air, flies are born. inhaled. and the whole world stopped to respired with me. exhaled. and the chaos shredded into ribbons and unwinded. i think it’s time i start watering my garden again.

Bio: Julia Vu is a 16-year-old student from California. As a child with imagination more active than most, she always used writing as a way to temporarily escape from reality, to bring the world that exists only in her imagination to life. Although she is rather young on the grand scale of things, there is so much that she wishes to share with the rest of the world.

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Name: Veruwska Olivier

Gender: Female Country: South Africa

Poem: Peace is patience Peace is the patience to accept and endure firstly, our own flaws and differences, before we can do so to others, for inner peace equals peace with our enviroment. -Veruwska Olivier

Bio: My name is Veruwska Olivier and I am a 16-year-old from South Africa. I have always been a peace keeper. I love nature and animals, but at the same time, I’ve always moved together with a modernizing world. I consider myself a peaceful, vivacious, ambitious and caring person with a bubbling personality and, I know my bio is a bit over the requirement, but there's so much of me to fit in such little space!

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Name: Inna Khomenko

Gender: Female Country: England, London

Poem: Poem name: The only peace I can give you

My baby sister, we had no choice in life. As we had to fight every person in only strife, I hope the new world brings you peace, As you lay there, a wasted call to the police, Know that I love you, Know that this is true. The conflict, the murder brought you here, And they will now make you disappear, As God takes you away from me, Making you forever be, under this ash tree, Know that I love you, Know that this is true. I hope while our fellow murderers await release, I hope at least you, sister, can now be at peace.

Bio: I am 16 years old and have been entering competitions for both essays and poems since I have been 14. My love for poetry developed early in year 6, when I wanted to write humorous poems to spread any messages that I wanted to say through those words, so that the readers of the poems can stop and truly think about what I am trying to convey.

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Name: Ray Busler

Gender: male Country: USA

Poem: Honored Dead

Flies and maggot children feast Upon theirs and ours, Too few of us remain to bury all. The officers fear the dead will kill us; Their dead and ours Will kill us all- The dead and their allies The flies. Better we had not come Or could dig faster.

Bio: Ray Busler is retired and lives in Trussville, Alabama, USA.

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Name: Kings Precious

Gender: Female Country: Nigeria

Poem: will my heart find its way? will it still be sane? all these troubles keep me afar the raging thoughts tosses me into the wild it's chaotic up here I'm in search of balance what people sometimes call direction then I saw peace standing afar the weights of my shoulder fell off I looked around and found ease the troubles have seized I ran to peace as it welcomed me with open arms I'll walk the future with relieve

Bio: My name is Kings Precious Ayomide., a graduate of Educational Technology from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. I am a graphics designer, writer and blogger, a photography enthusiast. I also have a passion for psychology.

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Name: Pritam Kumar Roy

Gender: Male Country: India

Poem: Quest for lost path to peace

Our worlds' fast becoming a stock of laughter, For fame and money are we all running after, Cribbing at little things that we do encounter, Have we forgotten that life is some other chapter?

Looks as if we all have lost chink in our armour, Need someone to guide us all like a charmer, But why be dependent when each can be a performer, So let’s brace ourselves to be our own reformer.

Eternal peace is what we all should look to get, For it washes and heals our heart even in regret, Never does it allow negativity to proliferate, That is perhaps the best way to fight every threat.

Bio: Myself Dr. Pritam Kumar Roy from Raipur, India. I am a dental graduate and currently I am pursuing Master of Public Health. My hobby is to compose poetries on public health issues as a part of health promotion activity. I have participated in Healing Words poetry contest, UK as a part of Mental health awareness. 681

Name: Sandra Arukwe

Gender: Female Country: Nigerian

Poem: TITLE: A SYMPHONY The forest is pure art, pure medley and pure symphony of sounds: of leaves; of twigs; of birds; hoots and heartbeats, of colours - green leaves and white; red; blue and yellow bursting flowers, of sun rays and the breeze; gentle vegetation and wild trees, of prey and predator; varying shades darkness brings, yet, in symphony. Peace is like forest dreams, a space through which every nation of the world, can blend into an ethereal masterpiece, a combination of passions; selves; hopes and dreams, a heady powerful mixture of unity, a beautiful symphony, peace...

Bio: I am Sandra Ekeoma Arukwe. Christian, Nigerian, lively, joyful, foodie-wired, hopefully romantic to the core and very excited about words and how much they can affect lives and the world as a whole. A graduate of English from University of Ibadan, picky music lover, art collector in screenshots and a lover of books, especially historical romance and magical realism.

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Name: Kauser Parveen

Gender: Female Country: UK

Poem: Wear Sparkle and Colour The family's request was simple To mourners To wear sparkle and colour In her memory In her spirit She was the heart of the family She still is the heart She is no longer with us But sparkle and colour personify who she is (For Ana Kriepel RIP)

Bio: Poetry is a powerful outlet to express the world around me.

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Name: Safoora Masood

Gender: Female Country: UK

Poem: Doorstep Homelessness

I used to see him under the bridge Everyday Lately I have not seen him I went to the doorway Where he 'lived' To discover All his belongings have gone They have all been cleared out His spot has been fumigated I learnt from enquiring He had been murdered by a stranger His bedding was set alight No arrests were ever made He was much more than a person who lived on the street He was someone I never got the pleasure of knowing.

Bio: Married mum of 3.

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Name: Mehmuna Kausar

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Peace a sense of release

Gazing at the beautiful blue sky Wish I was a bird so I could fly Feeling a sense of ease No longer having to please Feeling content with mysterious life No longer need to cut with a knife

Feeling calm in my mind Always trying to be kind Lying on the juicy green grass Watching the beauty of life as it flies pass Sprinkling peace, kindness and love in the air Even when people don’t seem to understand or care

Bio: I love writing poetry. It takes me to a fantasy world. It helps me express and release my feelings. Poetry gives me a sense of peace. 685

Name: Sohail Mirza

Gender: Male Country: UK

Poem: Mobile Education

It is the sight of the rickety old truck That excited the children That paints a smile on their face Where they live, where they are Government funded schools Scarcity of educational resources And the lack of libraries Means access to education is limited This mobile van filled with books Travels around the area Stopping at make shift schools To stimulate young minds To feed young minds To shape the future To shape a better future.

Bio: Student trying to make his way in the world

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Name: Waseem Mirza

Gender: male Country: UK

Poem: He did not like his life He did not like the contents of his life Events, occasions and traumas All played a part in how his life had played out. Today he accepts what he can and cannot do He has made peace with his past He accepts that he can carve out his future He smiles Knowing The past binds with the future.

Bio: Married, father of 3, standard job. No frills approach to life.

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Name: Bilal Mirza

Gender: male Country: UK

Poem: He smiles He cries His face is filled with wrinkles Each wrinkle is a story to be told Each wrinkle is a life lived Each wrinkle holds mysteries Still waiting to be shared Still waiting to be told

Bio: Student in Liverpool with a life ahead of him.

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Name: Jamal Mirza

Gender: male Country: UK

Poem: Keep that hunger

I was told To keep that hunger To feel that hunger To breed that hunger To allow it to grow Give it all the spices of life Guide it through the difficulties To allow it to run wild To find solutions To keep that hunger growing Allowed that sparkle Allowed the potential to grow.

Bio: Student in training.

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Name: Naeem Mirza

Gender: male Country: UK

Poem: A mother's love never dies. She never gave up She never gave in Carried her fight Until she died. It was the love of a mother Who searched for her son's body To give him a burial To provide peace to her inner turmoil (RIP Keith Bennett)

Bio: Words can heal or hurt

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Name: Kelechi Cynthia Akalonu

Gender: Female Country: Nigeria

Poem: VOICES

Resonantly reverberating all around us Voices suing for a world devoid of disunity; A place priding in concordance and consensus – Where wars on inhumanity end not in futility; Voices steadily soliciting serenity to recover; Though colour, clan and clime may differ, All veins bear blood red in colour; Hunger heightens for a people harmony to offer; Voices in deafening silence of anxious hearts, Making for moments this elusive piece of peace Will grow love seeds on world’s notable charts; Hope not when life’s flames burn out its grease; Won’t you heed these vociferous voices Craving sweet stillness smiling at our faces?

Bio: Kelechi Cynthia Akalonu: A Nigerian; holder of MA in English Studies (UI, Ibadan) and PGCE (UNISA). She has published: ‘Blame It on Me’, ‘Pangs of Regret’ (plays) and ‘The Fear of Abike’ (novel). She lectures in the Applied Languages Department, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa. 691

Name: Alexander Ruth Ojochenemi

Gender: Female Country: Nigeria

Poem: I choose peace….

From inception, we only know our domain. We are born to know only family, to love family and see others as our foes because the colors of our skin, our values, our creed and our culture differ The blood flowing in our veins reject a moment with our foes because we have been hooked to the world we find ourselves, but I choose to be different! I know I have the choice to hate but I choose to love I would rather embrace love than have my heart beat with rage For me, the color of your skin is nothing but a mere decoration beautiful to behold We both have hot blood flowing within us and that leaves us having no difference The Difference in our culture, values, and creed are nothing but mere ideology because we live under one heaven I would never again be hooked to my root that hasten bitterness and make men their foes I succumb to applauding all colors, all cultures and all creeds until we burst in laughter I know deep inside, that I will never be tranquil until my heart beats “we are one” for my foes. Alexander Ruth O.

Bio: I am Alexander Ruth Ojochenemi, I was born May 21 1998 in Kogi state. I am a native of Kogi state. presently I am an undergraduate studying Economics in Crawford University with a CGPA of 4.78 over 5.0. I.e. am currently in the debate and literary society in school where I debate and do public speaking. writing poems and singing are my hobbies.

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Name: Jonathan Brocklehurst

Gender: Male Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Title: Peace in our Time

For victims of war lies no escape door, Trapped in city trenches, oh my heart wrenches.

Bring us peace in our time. Where dialogue defeats crime.

Innocent lives drowning, coiled by guns howling. Civil unrest firing where drug dens are growling.

Bring us peace in our time. Where dialogue defeats crime.

Author: Jonathan Brocklehurst

Bio: A Spanish-Born, British-Brazilian musician and Podiatrist, Jonathan has a wealth of international and cultural heritage to enrich and inspire his poetry.

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Sofia Skleida Greece

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Name: Sofia Skleida

Gender: Female Country: Greece

Poem: .1.1. “Ode” Our dreams have been shattered. They could not stand to suffer on a lonely canvas. They crossed the land border to paint the youth of the world with indelible intellectual touches The borders inaccessible, unattended. The common zone in protest. The single market grinning in our demands. and the “New Laws” * are struggling to break the boundaries of time groping our wounds ... *The term “New laws” refers to the fourth and final part of Justinian's legislative work Bio: Curriculum vitae Sofia Skleida was born in Athens. She is graduate of the Faculty of Philology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has a MA in Pedagogy, a PhD in Comparative Pedagogy and she is also a postdoctoral candidate (Faculty of Theology, University of Athens). She published her first collection of poetry (Thessaloniki, 2014) entitled Dream of Oasis, which has been translated and published in Italy in 2017. Her first Fairy tale entitled Geometrini published in 2016 and her second fairy tale entitled The Kingdom of Joy was published in 2018.Recently were published her second and third collection of poetry entitled Neologisms and Melismos respectively. She is currently publishing four books titled In the Mediterranean, Poetic Reflections, Cappadocian theological references in handwritten verses and The teaching of classical languages in the Italian secondary education. She is a regular member at the Panhellenic Union of Writers. 695

Name: Neagu Miruna

Gender: female Country: Romania

Poem: Let me say you about your storm. This one will falling you apart Into million pieces. But, it's ok Maybe this is the only way To see what is inside you, Being broken. But you'll have to find every piece Who gets lost in the dark And put the sun into them. They don't know How is to be Touched by the sun Because you have locked them In the most inner corner. The warm of the light Will remodelate them Because love can change The hell into heaven Like the sunrise Chase away the night. 696

And the fact is, you will change, Because you love, darling.

Bio: I am a young girl from a small country with big dreams. One of those dreams is to have the courage in one day to publish a book. I feel that this thing will make me feel complete and I will be proud for allowing myself to let others see the vulnerable side of me. I seek the feelings for putting them in paper in a world where the appearance is all that matter for blogs and vlogs.

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Name: Louisa Taylor

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: A Mother’s Ode to Sunlight

Peace is the honey-dappled sunlight falling: Unending, unwavering, unceasing. At times thou may hear cruel Winter’s calls Through unrestingly trees swaying in song, But for now, my love, that honey still falls, And shall do all summer long. Just know — darling baby mine, As you feel its warmth across bare skin, To see purest honey-dappled sunlight Is a choice that is made within. So succumb to it, yield to it, Surrender to it, loved one. Let it fill your naked eyes with peace, And your beating heart with sun.

Bio: Louisa Taylor is a 17-year-old English Literature student from the UK. She has been writing poetry informally from the age of 7, and has always been motivated by the calmness and stillness found in nature. She has now found pleasure in writing with the intention to instill feelings of peace in others. When not writing, Louisa can be found outdoors, walking.

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Name: Akinyinka Adebayo Omoniyi

Gender: Male Country: Nigeria

Poem: Friendship

Bio: Akinyinka Adebayo Omoniyi, a grammarian cum mathematician, author of ‘Step-by-Step English’, a couple of other published books, poems, short stories and feature articles. His poems ‘Hopeless’ and ‘Higgledy-Piggledy’, among others, won Silver medals of the International 699

Society of Poets, USA in 2005 and 2007 respectively. A Nigerian sojourning in South Africa, he currently lectures at Northlink College, Cape Town.

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Dali Chatterjee India 701

Name: Dali Chatterjee

Gender: Female Country: India

Poem: Peace in nothingness

Walking home, singing a song... I find a coin on the road along, Jumping in joy, for it is a guinea... And in my pocket, I haven’t a penny! I dream of an ice cream that could be mine... Or a little teddy, that would be fine! As I dream some more, I see... A dog with her puppies, by a tree... She’s tired and so are they, My ice cream maybe, could wait another day? I buy food for them and they jump right up, The mom is happy and so is her pup... I walk home, singing a song, Not a penny in my pocket, but not forlorn.

Bio: Just another girl. Happy and fun. Mother of two dogs. Not a poet(clearly). A dreamer. A student.

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Name: Faye-Ademola Oluremi

Gender: Female Country: Nigeria

Poem: The pain of peace

Where my wounds are inflicted I would choose. In haste, I give my skin for every blow. A defiant scathe is proof the heart's in bruise. I wondered with time they'd scar then glow Behold the repugnant laceration. Most of these too whole to heal defy. Only I live with gory sensation Of many blasts that cut through by and by. Still I strive to bind my soul and mind afar Aye, the hurts reveal some trophies won I learn to trust without an eye ajar The way of peace and pardon now reborn So great a strength that all the fractures mend Then full of mirth and all the rapture send.

Bio: My name is Remy. I work as a teacher specializing in English Language and Literature. I have been involved in poetry performances from elementary stage but took it more to heart as a sophomore. I write poetry, teach poetry and read everything poetry. 703

Ingrid McLaren United Kingdom 704

Name: Ingrid McLaren

Gender: Female Country: United Kingdom

Poem: Collaboration

I am transfixed by the ceasefire of your presence.

Harmonics in delicate succession melt on me. I get comfortable as you become foreseeable,

I know what to do here although it doesn’t matter. The melody pulling the curtains to, it’s just us, the room and the sound.

I’m losing it, man. This mic is useless; I hope it picked it up.

Bio: Ingrid McLaren is an introvert who has found her voice through music and poetry. Starting off singing at church and nervously performing very short poems, she had gone on to publish poems, and has worked with Apples and Snakes and Mouthy Poets to produce work for national and international audiences.

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Our unrivalled thanks goes to all. Thanks so much for reading. We hope you have not only successfully charmed, enhanced and unwinded your imagination in the mesmerizing aura of this electrifying themes but have also actuated your thoughts, inclinations, notions and even determinations to go unfettered for peace. We believe in peace poetry, thanks for promoting peace with us! We hoped you enjoyed your reading experience!

You can contact us below at: [email protected] Or visit our website for further enquiries www.theleagueofpoets.home.blog

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THE PURPOSE OF THIS ANTHOLOGY

I. The main aim for the collection of poems in this anthology is to promote global “Peace”, we believe poetry can influence peace and through poetry peace can be achieved.

II. This contemporary literary anthology is also compiled to assist students in universities and schools all around the world and private candidates preparing for senior school certificate tests and examinations.

III. The collection is also prepared to promote, unity, love, truth and harmony among people/poets of all nations.

HOW BEST IT CAN BE USED

The anthology can best be used for teaching purposes which may involve choral reading, group learning, online learning and conference/broadcasted learning. For the achievement of more understandable and lucid learning, the introduction has narrated the relative themes that could serve as an inspiration or motivation as the book unfolds. It is of this notion we hope that the provisional teachers review in colleges and institutions may help to shed a broader illumination of thorough understanding for poems within the pages of this collection.

NOTE: For educational purpose; the anthology is best suitable for students studying literature in tertiary institutions, and senior secondary schools all around the world.

CAN’TS

1. If poems of the anthology are used for teaching purposes e.g. journals or online publications, it must be referenced. 708

2. Poems in the anthology must not be plagiarized, all poems are copyrighted with the Nigerian Copyright laws. 3. This anthology must not be reprinted, resold, or republished. 4. The League of POETS shares no ownership of the anthology. 5. The anthology is fully the work of The League of POETS and should not be considered otherwise. 6. The book must not be pirated in any version.

OUR HOPE

We hope as you read, you find the poems in this collection pleasurable, inspiring, motivating, edifying, enlightening, educative and an eternal illuminated path to peace.

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Songs of peace: The world’s biggest poetry anthology of contemporary poetry 2020