Two days ago, UN’s Security Council’s agenda was set to discussing Children affected by war. This is not a new issue facing the world; it has been with us for many decades. Yet, much focus has not been highlighted to this issue as one that should be given major media attention.

For many decades, the General Assembly, Security Council and other specialized committees has brought forth this issue that millions of youth are facing in war-torn countries. Many documents and resolutions have been passed, but none have been implemented the way they were intended to be. Since the topic of how war effects children have been put forth on the world’s priorities, many non-governmental organizations have been formed to help children who cannot see hope amidst the bullets and landmines.

There are 40 official wars in the world today, and each one of these effects children on one form or another. Some use children to further sustain war by using them as child soldiers, and in others children are in the direct path and are often raped and used in other inhumane ways.

This issue affects me personally and deeply as children are the future and to know that they must go through this in their childhood. Furthermore to understand that in countries where war affects children both mentally and physically will scar them for life, and to know what kinds of stories they will tell their children hurts me.

Children should not have the burden of war, they should be allowed to be children, to dance and play…

A College/University Version of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before finals,
And all through the college
The students were praying
For last minute knowledge.

Most were quite tired
But none touched their beds
While visions of essays
danced in their heads.

Out in the taverns,
A few were still drinking,
And hoping that liquor
would loosen their thinking.

In my own apartment,
I had been pacing,
And dreading exams
I soon would be facing.

My roommate was speechless,
Her nose in her books,
And my comments to her
Drew unfriendly looks.

I drained all the coffee,
And brewed a new pot,
No longer caring
That my nerves were shot.

I stared at my notes,
But my thoughts were all muddy,
My eyes went ablur,
I just couldn't study.

"Some pizza might help,"
I said with a shiver,
But each place I called
Refused to deliver.

I'd nearly concluded
That life was too cruel,
With futures depending
On grades earned in school.

When all of a sudden,
Our door opened wide,
As Patron Saint Put It Off
Ambled inside.

Her spirit was careless,
Her manner was mellow,
Then all of a sudden'
She started to bellow:

"What kind of student
Would make such a fuss,
To toss back at teachers
What they tossed at us?"

"On Cliff Notes! On Crib Notes!
On Last Year's Exams!
On Wingit and Slingit,
And Last Minute Crams!"

Her message delivered,
She vanished from sight,
But we heard her laughing
Outside in the night.

"Your teachers have pegged you,
So just do your best.
Happy Finals to All,
And to All, a good test."