By Josiah F. Joekai Jr.
This peace we have when the sound of the guns
Can no longer be heard
And gun barrels are no longer
The source of authority
When the rich, poor and dejected
Can now all fellowship together
This peace should last forever
Oh, how I longed for this peace we have
This peace we have
Where the voiceless can now be heard
Where citizens no longer live in fear
Where the agony of the dagger is gone
And people need no longer shed tears
Oh, how I cherish this peace we have
This peace we have
With reconciliation as our guide
People are moving so fast
When love and unity transcend hate
Peace and stability are assured
Oh, what a blossoming peace we have
This peace we have
When education overcomes illiteracy
Progress beats back backwardness
Unity supersedes ethnicity
The strong protects the weak and disabled
Oh, what a durable and lasting peace we have
This poem was written in commemoration of ten years of interrupted peace enjoyed by Liberians following years of civil unrest. The Author’s inspiration was drawn from the firm resolve of citizens not to return to conflict.
As a true patriot, the poem is a reflection of the Author’s immeasurable contributions to his country’s post-conflict recovery efforts and the sustenance of genuine peace in Africa’s oldest Republic, Liberia.
