This photo and art space features photos, poems, paintings, drawings and other creative expressions by Y'ers. Please send your contributions to youthnet@asiapacificymca.org

Power for Peace
Rieko HANA
2004-04-24

Let us realise we use power
over other human beings, animals and the planet.
Let us realise we have conflict within our hearts.
Let us realise we often become self-centered.

But,

We also have power to find alternative solutions.
We also have power within our heart.
We also have power to cooperate with others.
Let us enjoy our diversities and differences.
Let us enjoy dialogue within ourselves,
with other people and with other groups.
Let us enjoy the process for Peace.

Let us utilise our power to build PEACE.

 

Every day he's standing on that corner on that street
Every time I see him for a moment our eyes meet
And the sign he holds does not accuse me of my greed
It just clearly states his need
But it's not food or money he is asking for
The cardboard words he holds are asking so much more
They say

Don't be a stranger
Don't be a stranger
Don't be a stranger to me

Every day you see me and you ask me how I am
And without a thought I tell you I'm a happy man
But if you are listening with more than just your ears
You'll know there's more to hear
When I am hurting I am tempted to disguise
Please hear more than my words and listen to my eyes that say

Don't be a stranger
Don't be a stranger
Don't be a stranger to me

Jesus is calling to all our hearts
These are the words he's saying

Don't be a stranger
Don't be a stranger
Don't be a stranger to me

In the noise of struggle I will hear your silent call
I will pick you up and hold you every time you fall
I will turn you 'round when you're up against the wall

I will be your shelter when the rain is pouring down
I will be there for you when there's noone else around
I will be your friend when a friend cannot be found

We were never made to try to make it on our own
In the darkest moment don't forget you're not alone
I will walk beside you as we make our way towards home.

Thomas Mathew Tharakan

The days I see ahead of me are strange,
I can only see countries fight each other with rage,
I fear my own shadow; I never know when it will fight
against me.
People seek power and creed
Will I ever see the peace I once knew?
Can a child walk the streets with the smell of dew?

As I walk this highway of darkness,
My only prayer is that I will be able to make a
difference.
If I start today, the world will start tomorrow.
We can make this happen.
Lets do it right here right now
So that our children will be able to smile

-Sam Ebenezer 28-04-2006

Youth Forum, Singapore, March 7-9, 2004
YMCA Deliberation on Youth Policy and Action, Cheonan, Korea 2002
Youth Council at the 15th World Council, Oaxtepec, Mexico, 2002
Regional Follow-up Deliberation on Youth Issues and Actions, Tozanso, Japan, 2001
Youth Forum, Manila, Philippines, 1999