Lions International Peace Essay Contest

The International Peace Essay Contest gives visually-impaired children ages 11-13 the opportunity to share what peace means to them through writing. Each year, Lions clubs around the world sponsor the contest in schools and organised youth groups, giving young people the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings about the current year’s theme through the written word. They'll also have the chance to win a prize of US$5,000, an award and an invitation to a Lions International event.

Essay by Sofia - Age 12 - Grade 6

Together is Better. Together as One
In 1939, German accents filled the air of Poland.
The stench of debris and chemicals raining down from the murky clouded sky penetrate my nose
Unwavering sounds of tall buildings crumbling, and children weeping repeat again and again, the sound ringing in my ears
Echoing sounds of gun shots bellowing in the distance come to life
The hills and grassed empty spaces fill with unwelcomed foreigners dressed in camouflage

Wails, with hints of terror and unmatched fear hang in the thick air, to a suffocating level
My throat tightens, and my eyes become hot with unshed tears, which threaten to fall
I clench my fists into balls, my knuckles becoming a ghostly white
Familiar faces with frowns and concentrated expressions hold weight on their shoulders

Rushes of feelings surge through me, my jaw clenched tight
Blood bound alliances seal unholy contracts
Holstered, gleaming silver weapons, draw my eyes as each individual reach for them
Lifeless bodies lay cold, blood running through water holes, leaving a metallic scent in the air
They say "all is fair in love and war" but this doesn't feel fair

In 1945, the clattering sounds of metal start to rust, and bloody intentions start to fade
The rivers run cold, tainted, red liquid dilute through the rapid waters
The once hostile, still air, feels as if its loosened
The crowd abandoning the stained fields
Skys and clouds clearing up, showing the azure atmosphere

Loud crashes rise from the city, buts it not bloodshed
Wooden boards and concrete replace the remnants of past reminders
Brick by brick, layer by layer, the city was repaired
Fields regrow, the once withered greenery and blossoming treasures
The resident's shoulders carry light weight, and their lips pulls into smiles
Peace arose among the citizens, the golden orb hanging in the sky feels sunnier
Different cultured people run and walk beside each other but not against
Not angry and frustrated expressions, not sad or sorrowed, but happy
Happy expressions, with no fear or malice.

Eyebrows relaxed, jaws loose and joyful grins paint their facial features
Children playing tag, running away from each other. But it's different from those years
Back then, running meant cowardly, and fighting back seemed like the only option available

Essay by Nathaniel - Age 11 - Grade 5

Nathaniel's Story My family is happy. My dad is a hard worker. My mum
is a good cook. I have two sisters and one brother. We
all go to church every weekend. I could bless to the
people.

I played garage band and race car, in the Apple store at
Carindale Shopping Centre, not only with my cousin but
With my friends being "together as one".
I feel happy when we work together, and I like the team
Work. We can share topics and share ideas.

The end.