Robert Sherriff When You Wish Upon a Star

Robert Sherriff 08/07/1954 - Australian - Poet -Author - Singer - Actor - American Historian – Photographer Robert Sherriff In the vibrant tapestry of childhood, I was surrounded by a spectrum of colours and cultures, each thread weaving together a story of unity and innocence. At seven, life was a simple quest for joy, where friendships blossomed in the playground, untainted by the adult complexities of race, religion, or nationality. It was a time of pure, unadulterated happiness. A Colorful World of Unity In those days, hues of yellow, brown, black, green, or pink were never seen as barriers. Instead, these colours painted our world with diversity, much like the crayons we used to draw our dreams. Our differences were not reasons for division; they were invitations to explore and learn from one another. A Kaleidoscope of Cultures Our small community was a microcosm of the world—Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Shinto, and every belief was respected and celebrated. We shared laughter and stories across cultures, never needing to understand the intricacies of each other's traditions to feel the warmth of friendship. An Anecdote of Harmony I remember a warm summer afternoon when our multicultural group gathered for a picnic in the park. While adults engaged in animated discussions about politics and global tensions, we played tag, laughter ringing through the air. Our world had no borders—only the shared delight of a well-played game. The Essence of Childhood Innocence Our innocence shielded us from the world's prejudices. We were free of judgment and filled with curiosity, eager to understand what made each of us unique. Our hearts were open, welcoming everyone, no matter where they came from or what they believed in. It was a time of pure, unfiltered acceptance. A Call to Rediscover Innocence Reflecting on those days, I invite you to rekindle the unity and inclusivity of childhood. Imagine a world where adults, too, see beyond the superficial differences that divide us. Let's strive to build a community that embraces diversity with open arms and open hearts. Our responsibility as adults is to create a world that empowers and motivates us to act. A Universal Message for All Our childhood experiences hold the key to a more harmonious world. By revisiting the lessons of our youth, we can foster a culture of understanding and acceptance, nurturing a future where every individual, regardless of colour or creed, belongs. Join me in this endeavour—to create a world where we all thrive together, celebrating the beauty of our diversity. Let's be inspired by our past and reflect on how we can shape a better future.