The SA Education Department has moved to quell concern over controversial peace studies in schools by distributing formal guidelines to principals.
I wonder what this peace can be
That causes so much rage,
Affecting us, we’re led to think,
At quite a tender age?
What makes it such a battleground
Where people glare and thunder?
For goodness sake (the child reflects)
What can it be, I wonder?
Resource materials and such
Have guidelines clearly stated
So long as one is not misled
On matters peace related.
It seems a worry when you’re young
That some will turn your head.
The child is wiser than the man
(Or so a poet said).
The social climate and its tone
Must have consideration,
And they will leave unturned no stone
On total devastation.
For what is peace (be careful now,
Your protests they may smother)?
It is (so says the puzzled child)
Just liking one another.
The circulars express concern.
And peace would seem a plague.
The arguments rage to and fro,
Both boisterous and vague
With confrontations and concerns,
Debates that never cease.
It’s curious (so says the child)
The way they handle peace!
Max Fatchen