I proudly declare “I am a Canadian”
But tongue belies what my heart speaks
I am not a Canadian
How can I be when my entire self
aches for home, my home
where rests my foreparents
the place where my mind sleeps
and the raging tempest within me
subsides
Canada my foster mother
a refuge in a story of impoverishment
like a good Samaritan
given me food and shelter
took care of my family’s needs
Has its place in my life
how can I say I don’t love you
There is a special place reserved for you
Canada is my friend
To whom I shall give the children I bear
This will be their home
And where their seeds will be sown
where their hearts will lie
where their bodies may die
and rest in peace.
Beatrice Watson
© 2003
My Resolve
I proudly declare “I am a Canadian”
But tongue belies what my heart speaks
I am not a Canadian
How can I be when my entire self
aches for home, my home
where rests my foreparents
the place where my mind sleeps
and the raging tempest within me
subsides
Canada my foster-mother
a refuge in a story of impoverishment
like a good Samaritan
given me food and shelter
took care of my family’s needs
Has its place in my life
how can I say I don’t love you
There is a special place reserved for you
Canada is my friend
To whom I shall give the children I bear
This will be their home
And where their seeds will be sown
where their hearts will lie
where their bodies may die
and rest in peace.
BAW © 2003