‘Open your eyes, look around

Feel the breeze, hear the sound

The grass is green, the skies are clear

the air is pleasant, the birds you can hear

The waters are like mirrors

where you can see your reflection

The leaves fall like feathers

as you smile in admiration’

How wonderful it is

to imagine our world like this

just thinking of it

fills us with such bliss

but wouldn’t it be better

if we take things to action?

wouldn’t it be better

if our hearts and hands open?

it takes one step at a time

and a lot of determination

tall ladders we’ll have to climb

but in the end there is a fortune

That fortune, folks, is a cleaner, safer world

and to get there,

we need actions, not only words

Let us build bridges,

work together hand in hand

for nothing will happen if only one person will stand

Let there be peace, universal harmony

let us be one, unity in diversity

we are all different, that’s the reality

but with each other, we are better

smarter and stronger

and together, we will meet prosperity.

About The Poet

Mary Rowen Antoinette L. Bancod is an 8th grade Filipino student of FAR EASTERN PRIVATE SCHOOL, Al Azra campus. She is an active officer of the Supreme Student Council and a consistent academic excellence awardee. She has also received several recognition and awards in intra school and inter school competitions.

Born and raised in UAE, a country of many races; she has learned to mingle and adopt with different cultures and she found Poetry as a platform to promote unity and peace. Her poem “Open Your Eyes” speaks about the power of being united in attaining a common goal.