The General Assembly in its resolution of ten principles recommends observing a day every year to promote the welfare of the children all over the world. The resolution was adopted on November 20, 1959. Observation of the day varies from nation to nation. The Government of Canada designates 20th of November as the Universal Children’s Day. The United Nations and UNESCO also observe the same day as the Universal Children Day.
These recommendations of the General Assembly recognize the need to protect children from racial, religious and other forms of discrimination, and against all forms of neglect, cruelty and exploitation. These recommendations also recognize that children need an atmosphere of affection, understanding and of moral and material security to grow up.
There are different ways to celebrate this meaningful day. Here is the way of a poet. I would appreciate if you would share this way also with others.



THESE CHILDREN

Stephen Gill



These children

have yet to learn

to deal with the muddy pellets of abuse

or the ice of neglect

while maturing into the oaks

of exceptional might.

Almighty

protect these seedlings

in the sheltered bay

of your tender care

with apprehensive solicitude.

They have

yet to use their coins.



Gardner

nurture the growth of these roots

with rare delicacies of concerns

watch these rainbows of the millennium.

The feverish excitements of today

need them for their rest

in the castle of the comfort

of tomorrow.

The voyage

of the meaningful explorations

for the inner self

they have yet to embark.

They are the top deck

where human expectations

for the warmth of the spring

bask in the adulation of love.

Captain

sail the steamer of these children

to a safer island.



Riding even the ruthless currents

of domestic violence

let these angels savour

the ambrosia of peace.

Creator

bathe these blissful gems

with the softness of unstained holiness.



©Stephen Gill

www.stephengill.ca