La Fontaine, in Brussels well-bred, embraced
The peace movement early. Ridiculed for his taste,
He persevered, dragging others and the broad law toward
Policies of peace in education, women’s rights and forward –
As a Socialist, believing that worldwide association
In all areas held the key to eventual cooperation.
To this end, he founded the International Bibliographic Institute,
Documenting all international interactions – to avoid disputes.
At the 1912 Peace Congress, he helped ban wars’ air military,
And encouraged all to oppose all wars of conquest.
He felt Peace could reign globally in Socialism’s repository,
Via transnational congresses, which would serve global peace best.
His Socialist freemasonry made this year’s award contentious –
But his efforts live on, uniting our world, a great humanist.
June Edvenson 