I found this while packing. I was asked to read this at the summer peacekeeping institute in 2008. It’s by Doan Thanh Liem. Seems a message we all need to hear.
Young friends of mine,
Let’s have right thinking
to discover the wonders
in nature and human society
to love everybody
even our enemy.
Young friends of mine,
let’s raise our hearts
to make life more meaningful
let’s pay the high price
to get greatness for our soul.
Young friends of mine,
let’s share the blessings
to all our brothers and sisters
let’s behave accordingly
with our usual manners
among this confusing world.
Young friends of mine,
let’s live fully
by loving totally
and enjoying peace and ecstasy
deep in our inner selves.
Friends stand up!
Friends of mine,
let’s be ready.
It’s now time for us
to launch ourselves into the battle.
We ask for
not only food and clothes
but also dignity and love.
To fight against brutal tyranny
we must all be equipped with
undaunted courage
perseverance, sacrifice
and non-violence.
Friends of mine,
let’s raise out voice
saying that
not anymore we fear
violence, oppression
jail, torture
and terror.
For we have been much mature
in dark cells
with ravaging hunger and thirst
and hard forced labor.
And for also we follow
the perennial teachings of our father
that is: never to power be subdued.
Friends of mine,
let’s continue
the arduous combat
without concession whatsoever.
Resolutely we ask for everybody
with honor and dignity
justice and security
in freedom and democracy
Determined we are to root out
that arrogant sectarianism
insane dogmatism
and nauseating mediocrity.
Friends of mine,
let’s rejoice
at the new chapter
of our beloved fatherland
and indomitable people
that’s rising up
proud and serious
like Phu-Dong Quang Trung
Like Hung Dao Nguyen Trai
Our immortal heroes.
For surely we will overcome
Certainly, we shall overcome.
And also for all time
The humanitarianism cause prevails brutality
And love wipes away hatred.
Ham Tan Camp, 1994