Today I am honored to share a beautiful poem that was recently read aloud at the Jane Addams Peace Association Children’s Book Awards ceremony at the United Nations Plaza.
It was written by esteemed Hawaii-based author and illustrator James Rumford, and was inspired in part by a conversation he had with President Obama’s sister Maya Soetero Ng about the importance of using children’s books to promote peace. I was moved by this timeless, powerful message, words we all need to hear now more than ever.
EACH TIME
I wonder
how could I,
so small,
just one person,
bring peace
to this fighting world.I might as well try
to touch the clouds
or journey to the stars
or travel to the far
corners of the globe.Yet each time I
let raindrops fall
on my upturned face,
it is the clouds
out of reach
that touch me.Each time I
dance in the twin-
kling night
it is the stars
so far away
that have journeyed
to meet me.Each time I
take the first step
and go where
I’ve never
gone before,
it is the world
that opens up
to me.Each time I
smile,
so small,
just one person,
and make a friend,
it is peace
that comes
to me.~ Copyright © 2014 James Rumford
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