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.

 

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