Danijela Ćuk, poem
Moderator 
SENDING PEACE TO THE WORLD
With all my heart, I send peace to the world,
so every bird may soar in freedom's sky,
so every child may know the joy of childhood,
and humankind may finally embrace true peace.
May love flourish among all people,
for there is room on this Earth for everyone,
without taking from another what is rightfully theirs.
Power and greed corrupt the human soul,
as does the senseless urge to judge and condemn.
This world was never meant to be ruled by war,
nor drowned beneath an endless rain of tears.
Yet humanity still fails to understand
that happiness cannot bloom while evil lives on.
Instead of building strongholds of love,
thoughtless souls lose sight of what truly matters.
They ignite endless wars,
trampling smiles and breaking warm embraces.
Who has the right to steal another's dreams,
to shatter the last glimmer of hope,
with hollow powers that exist only in illusion?
Those who do such things
have never truly learned to love themselves.
Awaken your hearts, let wisdom lead your minds.
Stop tormenting this world with hatred and cruelty.
You are not mighty if, like thieves, you steal another's dreams,
or sink the ship that carries peace and love across the seas.
Release us from the chains of sorrow.
Let every child, every woman, every man be free to love.
How much longer must hatred reign over this world?
How much longer must the rain of tears keep falling?
Danijela Ćuk
Croatia
