Marking International Poetry Day (21 March 2020), a group of young poets and Voices of Youth contributors write about the power of peace. Their poems are a cry to end violence against children, and a message of support to the children and youth affected by conflict.
Kamogelo is a 17 year old from South Africa with a passion to learn from, inspire and educate anyone who gives her the chance to. She frequently blogs about women’s rights, education and equality on Voices Of Youth. You can read her content here.
I dream a dream of playgrounds and lemonade
I dream a dream of nights with clear skies
and glistening stars
screaming a better tomorrow is here.
You have taken away those silent nights
and vibrant skies
But our dreams don’t rot.
They are sunflowers that become brighter with every passing day.
You can try to quiet us,
but oceans never stopped howling.
We will continue to run
but this time towards and not away.
Our tears only swell up our storm,
and our beating hearts only make our song louder.
Watch our courage and strength
as you will soon be asked about them.
As we will soon breathe in the sunrise
And paint the sunsets that grace Everest’s summit.
Because through the darkness,
we have found the light within ourselves.
Our playgrounds have never looked closer
And my shoulders have never been stronger.
For you can only keep a butterfly held up for so long
before their cocoon
becomes their greatest weapon.
- to the people with the guns.
