The following is a poem that Richard Lee Rose of Yahk, BC wrote for the Peace Run in 2012:
Peace-My Opinion
By R. Lee Rose
Peace is more than the mere absence of war,
Or the result of politicians signing a treaty.
Peace is much deeper than the silence in a battlefield
After the fighting and carnage has ended.
Peace is more than the quietness in the cemetery,
For that stillness is mingled with loss and regret.
True Peace is freedom from strife and fear,
And from contention of every kind.
While Peace does not demand conformity,
It still promotes harmonious living.
Peace lives in the hearts of its inhabitants
And is nourished by trust and acceptance.
Peace can not be legislated into existence,
However, legislation can destroy it.
Although it is desired and sought after,
Peace is not a natural state for mankind,
The ways of Peaceful Living must be learned.
Let us honor those who promote the ways.