oh Canada...

In light of the recent disturbances on the Canadian political scene, I was reminded of some lines I had written during an early morning flight home from Calgary. In the wake of elections, it was a moment to look out my plane window and reflect on the land I call home...
I love my country.
I love living here.
I love what each province brings to the table.
(I included a map for my American friends!!!)For my Canadian friends - I just want to remind you that we live in an amazing country...full of diversity and potential. Despite our differences, we learn to work together. Regardless of which party is in leadership - the current challenge to democracy as we know it is appalling.
We, the people, can no longer remain silent.
Will we live up to being the true north, strong and free?
Will we fight to be ONE nation?
Or is being a Canadian about power at all costs?
What will be the sacrifice...
the compromise...
and are we ready to pay the price?

Looking down from lofty flight
upon the patchwork laced with grey
silent wings press ever onward
o'er the coming of the day.
Patch by patch, diverse in nature
'cross the miles, blanket spread;
simple stitching, interwoven,
bind a country by a thread.
Lost within the fragment motion
frozen in the yawning beams
one is blinded for a moment
to the tearing at the seams.
Ravaged land, of crimson purchase,
stretching freedom coast to coast
e'er to lie, the sleeping beauty,
midst ambitions selfish boast.
From the still, a breath of morning,
in the waking of the dawn
dissolving brotherhood to foe...
forgotten memory - she is one.
A whisper, softly, lend an ear -
hear her song, to sons command:
fist to fist, humble unfurling
for the healing of her land.