Twelve days of Christmas and dreams of promises

Day 1. I dreamt that all corrupt persons the world over were caught and dealt with according to the law.

Day 2. I dreamt that politicians the world over had begun to truly work for the good of the people by placing country before self.

Day 3. I dreamt that religious organizations had become more transparent on how they utilize the vast amounts of money they get by way of the contributions made by the faithful for the purposes of charitable deeds towards the marginalized in society.

Day 4. I dreamt that all forms of discriminations based on colour, race, religion and other prejudices was a thing of the past.

Day 5. I dreamt that violence and hatred had ceased and there were no wars among peoples and nations and a lasting peace established all over the world. Day 6. I dreamt those exploiting the vulnerable to amass easy money via drugs, human trafficking, child labour, etc., have given up such noxious practices.

Day 7. I dreamt those blessed with much, individuals (the super-rich) and organizations (the UN and NGOS,) were lending a helping hand to those with little or nothing and were not exploiting poverty to amass wealth for themselves.

Day 8. I dreamt those who had become refugees in foreign countries for no fault of theirs were being served better and in a more humane way by the rest of the world, and made to feel their lives too mattered.

Day 9. I dreamt countries that manufacture weapons for export and meddle in the affairs of other nations to create a demand for their products (arms and ammunition) had opted to discontinue such damaging practices and do away with the blood money that comes with it.

Day 10. I dreamt unwanted pregnancies were being prevented by employing sensible and safer sex practices and thereby minimizing or doing away with the need for abortions or the killing of unborn babies.

Day 11. I dreamt the media the world over were acting more responsibly by exposing the truth to the people and not allowing them to be manipulated by unscrupulous persons to further their ulterior motives.

Day 12. I dreamt, there was a paradigm shift from the false notion of ‘might is right’ to the time-tested ‘right is right’ no matter the status quo.

M.J.A. NIHAL PERERA