FIDELIS SUKINA

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

AS the sun rose over the dried El Niño suburbs of the city, Jacob woke up, tired and still depressed from yesterday’s thoughts.

As he yawned and stretched he felt that he just couldn’t care less, “Same old things, different days” he murmured.

His siblings were running around circles, irritating him.

“James, Isaac! Go wash; go to school”.

It was like watching a re-run of his own life; each day a replay of a soap opera where the characters never changed.

RAYMOND SIGIMET

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

“DAA-DD-YYY mobail ling!” The shout from inside the house jolted Danny from his thoughts as the little one opened the door wide open at the same time and announced again with an urgency, “Daa-dd-yy haliap! Mobail blo yu ling!”

“Christy, pasim door!” Came Julia’s familiar not-too-harsh not-too-soft admonishment from the kitchen corner. The little one left the door still open and moved towards Danny.

Julia is Danny’s partner and mother to the little one. They’ve been together for five years now. Their union was one of necessity. She wanted someone to provide for her and he wanted someone to manage the house. One complementing the other.

“Okay doll, give me one sec,” Danny got up from his peace seat, picked up his two and half year old daughter who happens to be the messenger and walked into the house, closing the door as they went in.

AMANDA YEOU

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

This poem is dedicated to our strong and beautiful mothers, the women who teach us how to live in peace and harmony with those around us. A special dedication to my mum, Miriam Yeou, and my best friend’s late mum, Karo Bogino. We honour you ladies for your hearts of purest gold.

When I was born you were there for me;
You fed me and kept me close to your heart;
Our hearts and emotions were one;
We were intimate!
We were one!

POCHON S LILI

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

We are the Sepiks, Papuans, Highlanders
We are the Gulf, Morobeans, Islanders
Rich people, rich culture
Blessings and curses

Does he who does not act like me
Not deserve my empathy?
Or do I leave the best of me
For those moulded the same?

PAEOPE OVASURU

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

THE full moon shone above the peaks of the mountains while the cool breeze caressed our faces as we sat around the fire.

My grandmother talked as she chewed her betel nut, telling us little secrets of life.

“It’s not the big things that help you live a peaceful, happy and harmonious life,” she said. “It’s the small things. Do them right and your life will be good.

“I was the second born of six girls. I had responsibilities at a young age because mother was blind. But I took it in my stride. I learnt early in life to accept my responsibilities and not complain.

RASHMII BELL

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

IN September, the international aid community met in New York to acknowledge and adopt a follow up to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) under the new badge of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

There has been much talk about ambiguous terminology and the ambitiousness imposed on developing nations to achieve the 17 goals within 15 years.

But perhaps a clearer guide for Papua New Guinea view of the new SDGs is its dismal attempt at the MDGs – of which it achieved none.

RAYMOND SIGIMET

In recognition of past leaders of the forgotten eras who safe guarded and protected their people during times of conflict and war, and worked to bring about peace and harmony in their societies

THE Arapesh people inhabit the west coast region of East Sepik, up into and over the Torricelli hinterlands.

There are three main groups based on dialectal differences: the coastal Arapesh, the mountain Arapesh and the plain (kunai) Arapesh.

In the past, the traditional Arapesh, like other societies in Papua New Guinea, solved their conflicts and disputes through the diplomacy of bikman intervention and mediation.

When a conflict arose, the village tribal chief or bikman known as the takuien of the disputing groups, would come together in the man house, smeiguh, to discuss a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The takuien occupied the uppermost echelon of the political and social strata of the Arapesh societies. These leaders had high standards. They would not instigate conflict or embroil themselves in conflict of any sort.

BRIGETTE WASE

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

WE sat in a crude semi-circle on the lawn in front of our house, our faces illuminated by the light coming from a neighbour’s house and the fire that burned nearby to keep the mosquitoes at bay.

The sun had gone and the chirping of the cicadas was a welcome sound after the angry shouting and screaming earlier in the day.

We were quiet, looking at our mother. Her head was bowed and face turned away as she tried to contain the tears we could see hanging on her lashes. Nobody said a word to comfort her; we did not know what to say.

After a long time, we she sighed and cleared her throat and started speaking softly, so the sound of her voice would not carry to my father. He had retired early, in a rage. He had kicked the wooden cross beams that supported the posts.

JIMMY AWAGL

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

MARY, from Gunage village in the Sinesine area, was 20 when she married her husband Kaupa and went to live with him at Mormaule village in the Dom area of Simbu Province.

Mary and Kaupa loved each other and lived harmoniously with their two kids. They lived a subsistence livelihood, earning a little cash from the sale of surplus garden food to buy soap, cooking oil and salt.

Their tribe was well known for its warfare against neighbouring people and, after some particularly ferocious fighting, Maary and Kaupa lost their home and food gardens.

Thereupon, they migrated to Kia as refugees and took refuge with Kaupa’s uncle. Some years later, when the fighting was over, they returned to Mormaule village and lived almost as vagrants on their home soil.

FRANCIS NII

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

What I was told by Grandpa …
Show compassion to others
And you sow amity
Multitude friends you shall win
Myriad peace and harmony you’ll enjoy

What I was told by Grandpa …
Care for the old, vulnerable and meek
And you sow prosperity                             
Copiousness you shall reap
Peace and happiness shall fill your home

ANONYMOUS

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

I have yet to come across a Papua New Guinean woman who has not faced violence or abuse at some stage in her life. Mine is no different.

It is sad how many if not all of the perpetrators are people who play a significant role or hold a position of trust in the victim’s life. For my mother, sisters, brother, son and me, this person was my dad.

Even writing these few sentences brings tears to my eyes. I am afraid of what my siblings and mom will think of me because, despite it all, we love dad.

JIMMY AWAGL

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony 

I am simple
I am down to earth

I am honest
I smell your sweat

And wipe your tears
I don’t have the ability

To use an eloquent word to impress
Born from the rugged mountains

Moulded with the Simbu philosophy
The goodness and hospitality

Are the traditional virtues
That I hold to use

You have to be a true Simbu
To know a Simbu man

AKILINO POWESIU

SOME things are interdependent such that one cannot conceive of one without the other.

Consider light and darkness. Light is only made bright by darkness. If there were no darkness, then there would be no light, for there would be no source from which light could be cast. Light is nothing more than the absence of darkness. Light then, has its source in darkness.

Consider, too, ignorance and knowledge. Even in cases where we actively avoid knowledge, we do not seek ignorance as if it were a special body of non-knowledge. Ignorance comes from avoiding, rejecting, and lacking knowledge.

Like light, ignorance is dependent upon its relationship with knowledge. Yet, knowledge exists whether or not ignorance is lacking. And perhaps here we are led to Plato’s idea that virtue is a kind of knowledge and evil a kind of ignorance.

DANIEL KUMBON

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

IT was in the 1980s that I first began to worry for the future of my children, my Enga Province and my country.

There was a widespread breakdown in law and order. Tribal warfare, armed robbery, rape and other social problems reached high levels as government services deteriorated. Intense politics and deep-rooted corruption took centre stage.

The culmination in Enga Province was  the wholesome destruction of the provincial administration complex - a K3 million modern building gutted in an arson attack on 23 March 1993.

SAMANTHA KUSARI

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

What Mama told me

Mama told me not to grumble
But to be humble
Even if things don’t seem right
Mama told me not to cry
But to try

Even if things seem complicated
Mama told me not to fear
But to bear

DOREEN BAULONI

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

This poem was written after a long journey by open dinghy
in rough weather and relates to life’s everyday journey

The winds of the north blow
The waters of the ocean roar
The rays spread their wings
And they fly on the winds
Land chills to my being

The ocean stirs and seas rise
The waters race to the skies
They tumble over each other
And break forth in laughter
As this journey I traverse

PHILIP KAUPA

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

Hear the birds whistle hello
to the rising sun
excuse your comforting pillow
the day couldn't wait your run

Yawn out your dreams
just to invite a choice
say happy, happiness for real
and hear it with your voice

Push your hinges
open the happiness window
and shine out your highness
from above to below

AUGUST BERITA

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

OVER the last few years there has been an increase in the number of boys who roam in and out of Mt Hagen’s town market, some from as far as Southern Highlands and Enga.

They are not men who wander around looking for opportunities to rob people, nor are they street vendors. They do not carry knives to threaten people; just a roll of string and a needle.

They are known as ‘market taxis’ and they assist people to carry or sew their market bags. In return, people pay them between 50 toea and two kina. Some people generously give a bit extra.

PHILIP G KAUPA

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

So must I speak
Proudly of an old sailor
Who voyages the thick
And thin and knows the secrets to fail

On his vessel
He carefully said, before you cruise
Be sure your bearings and compass are assembled
They will guide and direct your course

Fear not the raging ocean
Without it you wouldn't be a man
A beautiful island will distract your mission
Just like a violent storm

JIMMY AWAGL

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

Not to take drugs
Not to drink homebrew
They cause chaos
Promote a nation
Free from illicit substance
To maintain harmony

Say no to tribal warfare
Say no to murder
They cause disunity
Speak highly of a society
Free from trouble
To foster unity

PHILIP KAUPA

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

Dedicated to the Irugl orphanage
at the foot of Mt Wilhelm, Simbu

I have been to places
but nowhere have I been like this

Where roads hardly take
Where planes cannot make

There within the rugged walls
where the breezes whisper and a mist falls

Where juicy red berries grow wild
among famous sunflower fields

My soul bathes in tears
as I see myself in their eyes

PAUL WAUGLA WII

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

Polished driveway, poignant scent of frangipani
Under a starry Touaguba night
It is a night when a star is born
Somewhere in this metropolis
Where the rich and the poor
Must breathe the same night air.

From the balcony of his wealthy hillside
He gazes across the young night
Beyond the silver horizon
Where sterling sea merges with golden sky
It’s a million dollar view,
If your heart can dream.

BESSIELAH DAVID

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

After a tiring week of never-ending emails, endless telephone calls
I needed quietness
I walked to the beach to enjoy the cool breeze

The day was luminous and beautiful
Across the turquois sea, the islands welcomed me
Blue enamel and white fluffy clouds swathed the horizon

It’s so quiet, only the drone of an airplane far away
The hum of dragonfly wings, lapping of waves against the shore
Buzzing of bee overhead in the pandanus leaves interrupts my reverie

SAMANTHA KUSARI

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

I pushed my way through the crowd of enthusiastic school leavers. The January midday sun was not on our side. It burned hard on our bare foreheads but we were too eager to care.

I thought briefly of the sunburn that to come. With my lighter skin complexion, it was going to be worse. So, let it be. It’ll be worth it.

Outside the Office of Higher Education, a throng of Grade 12 school leavers had gathered to check their names on the acceptance list to universities and colleges around the country.

AUGUST BERITA

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

WITH every generation rises a new challenge. People look for answers.

There are millions of people worldwide who have graduated with degrees and doctorates. There have been thousands of books and articles written on how to combat social problems.

Government after government has come to power and public and private organisations have been established to solve our dilemmas and show us the way and trillions of dollars have been applied.

In Papua New Guinea, many people are turning to Christianity hoping that a theocratic government is the solution.

STEVE GALLAGHER

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

PAPUA New Guinea is a country of spectacular beauty cultural diversity – more than 800 distinct cultures.

There is something of a price to pay for this diversity, though, and it comes in the form of a people still divided along tribal lines.

Tribal conflicts in the highlands are common, people killed, houses destroyed, families suffer. Innocent women, children and the aged are often the victims of such immoral acts.

BUSA JEREMIAH WENOGO

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

WHEN it comes to matters of gender, many people will agree that women are gentler and more careful when dealing with the matters of life.

From basic household chores to managing family finances, women seem to be on a par above men.

And findings from research like the INA/BPNG financial capability survey and the PFIP financial diaries survey reinforces these observations.

Although men are generally regarded as the superior sex in most facets of life, this is fast becoming a thing of the past.

BESSIELAH DAVID

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

AS a woman, should you sell yourself cheaply to the age-old trade of prostitution?

The economic boom in Papua New Guinea has seen prostitution twirl out of proportion. Women and girls wanting to share the good times and becoming susceptible to prostitution.

The result is not only apprehensive parents, there is also a feeding of the fiasco of violence against women and girls in our country.

There is so much noise on the airwaves, in the daily newspapers, and on social networks about the deteriorating social paradigm and our law and order farce.

AMANDA YEOU

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

This poem is dedicated to victims of domestic violence.
You may feel weak, but within you is the strength to overcome,
achieve what you deserve and live a peaceful life

Blink! Blink!
Love at first sight;
She found the right one.

Time flew by;
The love faded;
She was hurt.

He hit her so hard;
She fell on the floor;
Her face drenched in blood.

FLORENCE CASTRO-SALLE

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

Don’t let those bitter words be the last thing we hear
Don’t let that anger make you a monster
Don’t walk away when your feet shouldn’t move
Don’t let pride and ignorance cost your happiness

Don’t harbour ill feelings, nothing good will come of it
Don’t listen to other people, theirs isn’t the life we have
Don’t yap so much you push him away, he’s trying too
Don’t be dogmatic, be rational; it works both ways

JIMMY AWAGL

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

Vernacular
A traditional language
Linking different tribes
For a common understanding
As a mode of harmony

Creole
A mixed language
Linking different cultures
For a mutual understanding
As a mode of harmony

PAUL WAUGLA WII

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

VIOLENCE abounds in this world. Four in five Londoners afraid to walk the streets after dark. New York amongst the most troubled American cities for street crime.

In Papua New Guinea we’re all familiar with the law and order situation in urban areas. People talk and express the same sentiments. The same gut feeling.

Sometimes the people are bored by the ‘same old tale’. Don’t you have anything good to say, is the plea, as denial seems easier.

BESSELIAH DAVID

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

HONESTLY, when reading about the Rivers Award, I couldn’t seem to put anything on paper. My brain froze and refused to emit. Too many stories and experiences. Where to begin?

Anyway, this is how my grandparents imparted their wisdom when I was young. Their words rang with truth about peace and harmony. I will never forget.

It seems like only yesterday that I was told to “study hard and be somebody when you grow up”. Just five years old. “Bubu, mi laik go long skul! (I want to go to school!)” I’d exclaim. “No bubu, krismas blong yu ino inap yet (no child, you’re not old enough),” grandma would reply.

JIMMY AWAGL

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

If you see a mother with a load
Without her request
Carry her load
Set her heart at ease
She will bless you

If there is no water
Carry the empty container
Without a demand
Walk miles to water
Secrets will be revealed to you

OBED IKUPU

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

MADANG is becoming a haven for crime and violence. The once hotspot for tourism in Papua New Guinea is rotting to the core.

The loss of stability and security has left many locals, especially the Madang people, anxious about their once beautiful town.

I have been living in here since I began my studies at Divine Word University back in 2011. In my days, months and years here, I have come to observe the province as an underdog.

BUSA JEREMIAH WENOGO

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

WHEN we were children we craved only love, peace and joy.

Such was our exuberance of spirit that, when we slept in the night, we ached for the new day to come quickly.

To a child, every new day is enveloped in the warmth of the sun and the loving arms of parents.

Being a child is universal. Every one of us was once a child.

When you see children standing in a circle holding to each other’s arms, it is out of love for each other.

Their friendship is oblivious to distance, colour, creed and race.

Outside this circle, the rumbling and grumbling sound of the world’s troubles makes no sense.

The guns and tanks bombing from a distance with thunderous sounds are like toy soldiers at war.  Such is the naivety of childhood.

AMANDA YEOU

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

This is dedicated to all the young women. Be cautious when a man tries to sweep you off your feet, for you never know what he might be trying to hide. I was told by a man from my village that, to live a peaceful and harmonious life free of violence, you need to get to know a person well. Before you act on a situation in any form of relationship, always come up with a theory to solve it peacefully.

SHE lay on the ground, her face drenched in blood. Yowo dropped the knife and ran for help. He realised he had done something terrible. Would his wife survive?

Yowo and Lasumo had been married for six years. They fell in love during a village singsing and got married six months later. Lasumo left her village to live with Yowo and his parents Yali and Magi.

At first life was good. They would do their daily chores together. But at the dawn of their fourth year of marriage, Yowo’s behaviour started to change. He would let Lasumo do the chores while he went out to enjoy himself with his friends.

KEITH ANGEN

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

UNITY in diversity speaks volumes about who we are and what we are: a peace-loving and distinct collection of tribal people harmoniously mingled with each other to form this awe-inspiring nation of Papua New Guinea.

Collectively we number more than seven million people organised into 22 provinces. Having more than 800 different languages yet united under one national parliament, we are unique.

We have tribal conflicts in the highlands but tend to be confined to two or three local tribes. And it happens sporadically. It does not affect the overall peace and harmony of the nation.

BUSA JEREMIAH WENOGO

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

PAPUA New Guinea‘s road to independence, although often said to be offered on a golden platter, was actually achieved after overcoming many internal challenges.

We have been told of the mixed reactions among our people when news of PNG’s imminent independence began to spread throughout the land.

Many people were not sure what independence was or what it would bring to them. In such a fragile environment, where anxiety, confusion and hope reigned, the idea of independence disturbed the populous.

FIDELIS SUKINA

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

Like a small boy I prance about the yard,
My heart filled with joy, my son is born.

I was told never to lie, cheat or steal,
But I did, I did it all, the lies, the deceit,
The drinking, the fighting, I wish I had not.

My parents’ strong Christians, the virtues of
Humankind, my son I wish the same for you,
I wish and pray a hope, be it a glimmer, a light as the end of a tunnel.

BAKA BINA

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

IF you come home in the afternoon and if you see no smoke coming from the roof of the house, you must feel sorry for your stomach.

As a little boy at Kotiyufa Village, Iufi-Iufa, that was my father’s rant every time I failed to do my household duties.

It was written in the wall somewhere that my duty as a kid was to ensure there were two things in the house at all times.

There must firewood and water for the house in the house, never mind if the sun shined or the clouds rained.  When these two things were present, it was guaranteed there would be smoke in the house and everyone would be happy.  My father would be happy, Ma would be happy, I would be happy.

ROSLYN TONY

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

I was so absorbed in counting the dates in my notebook calendar that I had deaf ears when the lecturer calling my name.

Suddenly the lecture room was as quiet as grave. It was the quietness that caught my attention.

When I looked up, Mr Ume was glaring at me furiously. “Miss Rigeret, would you like to repeat my question?” he asked politely but displeased.

“Pardon me, sir!” I apologised. “I lost track half-way through.” I felt my ears go hot.

It was 1993 and I was at Holy Trinity Teachers College, Mt Hagen.

RAYMOND SIGIMET

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

THE sun was still beating down as students left after lessons ended for the week. The dry spell was taking its toll on the school ground. The greenery had turned brown.

A band from the local evangelical church adjacent to the school was practising its rendition of the gospel track, Heal Our Nation, a composition of the popular Papua New Guinean group Higher Vision.

They had been practising every afternoon since Monday in preparation for a major crusade planned for Independence week.

BUSA JEREMIAH WENOGO

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

ROSLYN TONY

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

I was told that only a forgiving heart can foster peace and harmony.
Owe no man anything but to love one another.
For to err is human, to forgive is divine.

But I know that it is not easy to forgive and overcome hatred,
Or smile and take the first step to apologise.
I know that it is not easy to admit error and being laugh at,
Or shoulder a deserved blame and begin over,
I know that it is not easy to profit by mistakes
Or recognize the silver lining.

JIMMY AWAGL

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

AKINA Kamane and his wife Moro and their three children lived harmoniously on a steep hill. Of the three kids Waim and Kerenga were boys and Ogan a girl.

At the age of seven they enrolled at a nearby primary school. Kerenga was a bright kid and Akina and Moro focussed on him and gave less attention to Waim and Ogan.

One afternoon, Akina called his kids for the dinner and, before handing out the dishes, he told them to sit around him.

“Kerenga is quite intelligent so he will continue in education,” said Akina, “but Waim and Ogan cannot continue since your results are poor. Rather than going to school, you will make gardens and tame the pigs.”

BAKA BINA

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

DON’T put all your eggs in the one basket ... eh, no - don’t plant your garden with one type of crop - multi-crop so that there is always food in the garden, year round. 

That was what my mother did at our one block of garden at Sogopex in Kotiyufa village near Goroka.  We had that garden for a long time too. By the time I left the village at 17 it would have been there for 15 years, maybe more.

The garden constantly replenished itself from multi-cropping. Ma ensured that a legume cropping followed the kaukau. Where she learnt her agriculture to put legume back in the soil is anybody’s guess as she was a nambawan bush kanaka.

BUSA JEREMIAH WENOGO

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

ALONE now in a place filled with people who are more strangers than friends. Passers-by rush into the departure lounge to catch their flight as the loudspeaker announces their boarding.

As I look around, everyone seems lost in their own world. I sense a mixture of emotion. Some seem excited while a few look worried, most probably because they are leaving behind someone dear to them or nervous about getting on a plane.

JIMMY AWAGL

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

I was told
Not to steal
Someone’s property

I was told
Not to admire
My brother’s wife

I was told
Not to disobey
Elders’ instructions

DANIEL KUMBON

An entry in the 2015 Rivers Award
for Writing on Peace & Harmony

MY first experience of Christmas, in the 1960s, saw me fall asleep on a cold starless night on the bare earth in a hut at a newly established catholic mission in Kandep, Enga Province.

There had been much excitement as people talked about attending a Christmas mass at midnight to celebrate the birth of a man named Jesus, who was sent by God to save the world by dying on a wooden cross. But how was all this possible?

It sounded very much like a Kandep legend about a young girl who went to collect vines in the bush to make a bilum and found a nest with two beautiful eggs which she ate and became pregnant.