Joseph T. Renaldi (Frackville, Pennsylvania)

If we only could persuade tyrannical leaders
To initiate an overture of tolerance reasoning brings.
Their rhetoric will emphasize peace and future hope,
And a sympathetic consciousness of all human beings.

They would render compassion and aid when needed
To lift the spirit of a downtrodden and ravaged heart.
These are some of the essentials of life they would give,
These things they would morally and ethically impart.

They would tell their constituents living requires respect,
That darkness is often followed by a blazing dawn,
And supreme power of a nation is invested in the people,
And a democracy will quide them their whole life long.

They would let no dreams of success be shattered,
No ideals of right conduct be trampled to the ground,
Always promoting the general welfare with no malice
Where liberty and freedom would always abound.