I plead to the world

Stop all forms of violence

Cease the fire of ignorance

Stop the slaughtering of innocent people

In the east and west

In mosques and churches

And everywhere!

I plead to the world

I don’t want to raise any more orphans

Weep day and night

I cry to all injustice, “NO!”

NO more wars or selling of arms!

NO black, white, red, or yellow! 

But colourful roses and butterflies everywhere!

I plead to the world

Give me a chance to live my dreams

See the future with my own eyes

Have children

See my grandchildren

Have humble dreams

A house with a small garden

Let me live a normal life

And die…

By Najat Alshafie

22/3/2016