poems for peace
An education capable of saving humanity is no small undertaking; it involves the spiritual development of man, the enhancement of his value as an individual, and the preparation of young people to understand the times in which they live. - Maria Montessori
We present a collection of poetry focusing on the topic of peace, for you to share with children or anyone who seeks a source of inspiration. Photos were taken in the garden of The Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, where everyone is welcome to express their own wish for peace, in any language.
to lift each other
Is it possible to build a dream by tearing others down?
Is there any way to fly if we refuse to leave the ground?
Not a gain was ever made while shoving someone else aside.
In the course of stopping others, our momentum is denied.
When we find the good in others, praising them for who they are,
we build speed for one another. We're both able to go far.
It is possible to reach our dreams together if we try.
We must learn to lift each other if we ever hope to fly.
by Wes Fessler
See Me Beautiful
See me beautiful
Look for the best in me
It's what I really am
And all I wanna be
It may take some time
It may be hard to find
But see me beautiful
See me beautiful
Each and everyday
Could you take a chance
Could you find a way
To see me shining through
In everything I do
See me beautiful
See me beautiful
Look for the best in me
It's what I really am
And all I wanna be
It may take some time
It may be hard to find
But see me beautiful
See me beautiful
Each and everyday
Could you take a chance
Could you find a way
See me shining through
In everything I do
And see me beautiful
Songwriters: Red Grammer / Kathy Grammer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Evl6ATp0AgA
Recommended By Susan Zoll, author of Powerful Literacy in the Montessori Classroom
The Peace Of Wild Things
When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives might be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
by Wendell Berry
Recommended by Susan Zoll, author of Powerful Literacy in the Montessori Classroom
Peace I Ask Of Thee, O River
Peace I ask of Thee, O River
Peace, peace, Peace
When I learn to live serenely
Cares will cease
From the hills I gather courage
Visions of the days to be
Strength to lead and faith to follow
All are given unto me
Peace I ask of Thee, O River
Peace, Peace, Peace
Traditional American
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh1-NYWr2II
Recommended by Paula Lillard Preschlack, author of The Montessori Potential
Peace
Peace becomes outward
When the fatherly mind and
The motherly heart
Are tied to the same truth
That allows the child of action
To play outside
In full trust and loving obedience
To those who reside
On the inside
So don’t look outside at the collection
Of individuals
At war with one another
But look at your own internal disorder and
try to make peace
At home
First
Recommended by Halima Barr, Montessori trainer