Poetry: The Island

The Island

Away from Cape Breton, there are sights to be seen:

The Rockies so high, and the Prairies so green.

They’re broader and richer than we’ve ever been,

But they don’t have the soul of The Island.

Away from Cape Breton, there’s work to be found

In Ontario’s cities and Alberta’s towns.

You can live like a prince on the pennies you’ve found

But it’s nothing like life on The Island.

Our hearts’ deepest treasures are kinship and pride

Born of struggles we’ve faced and taken in stride.

In the roar and the surge of the blue island tide,

We anchor our hearts to The Island.

Away from Cape Breton, our folk scurry along,

But they don’t have that rhyme for the words of their song.

Though they work for a living and strive to belong,

Their hearts echo the tunes of The Island.

Back on The Island, riches greater than gold

Course through our veins, through our hearts and our souls.

Our history, too vibrant and strong to withhold,

Fills the life-giving air of The Island.

Our hearts’ deepest treasures are kinship and pride

Born of struggles we’ve faced and taken in stride,

While the roar and the surge of the blue island tide

Always beckon us back to the Island.

Seeking safe harbour, like the sailor from storm,

Our hearts always come back to The Island.

Bob Dawe, Kelowna, BC (and South Bar, Cape Breton)

 

 BLES

As we age,

we may hope

for some bliss.

Instead,

we may

get bles…

troubles,

mumbles,

fumbles,

stumbles,

tumbles…

BANG!

No breaks…thank God.

Harold Erb, Stratford, ON

 

Pondering Life

If you win,

Savour the moment,

Then move on.

If you lose,

Learn from the event,

Then move on.

If you lose someone,

Celebrate that life,

Then move on.

But, on occasion,

remember.

Vince Lynch, Belleville, ON

 

Like to write? We’d love to print your poem. (Sorry...we can’t acknowledge or return submissions.) Send to: Poetry, Good Times, 4475 Frontenac, Montreal, QC, H2H 2S2, or goodtimes@bayardcanada.com

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