It’s timely to republish “Anthem” JC’s poem, which first was broadcast on CBC radio nationally on the program “Commentary.”
When thinking people cannot ignore how democracy and related values are under assault everywhere and how many forces conspire to weaken the fragile balance that is civility, many others pay little heed. It’s as though they embrace a new mantra, a combo of “that can’t happen here” with”what do I care, anyway.” They do so without regard for the facts and the truth or the consequences of ignoring both.
Here’s JC’s poem which calls upon Canadians on the 157th anniversary of the country’s founding to smarten up, tune in, and step up to do his/her/their part for Canada and for democracy.
Anthem
A Mountie sings the anthem
Fine baritone, scarlet tunic
The odd, stiff brown hat
I strain to hear the others –their singing jumbles off
high glass planes, transparent walls
I make out
Des plus brilliants
God keep
Glorious and free
I hear my voice, small in the great room
Oh Canada, we stand on guard
I will the words to be true
Fear we are not up to it
Many of us don’t bother to vote
We squander our choices, our democracy
Grumble at leaders in power
almost by default
Our fault, really
Centred in everyday lives
Blind to the need to protect this country
Beautiful, fragile
We ought to know better
Know what to do for Canada each day
and in times of flood, plague, war, and fire
Should someone tell us
Should we ask
Or should we go out there
Start somewhere
Work not only for ourselves
but for our Canada
A half hour a day
times the 38+ million of us
(minus the sick, the too-young)
would sure buy a lot
of standing on guard
This entry was posted in Archive. Bookmark the
permalink. Trackbacks are closed, but you can .
“Anthem” — JC Sulzenko’s call to Canadians to cherish and safeguard their country and democracy
It’s timely to republish “Anthem” JC’s poem, which first was broadcast on CBC radio nationally on the program “Commentary.”
When thinking people cannot ignore how democracy and related values are under assault everywhere and how many forces conspire to weaken the fragile balance that is civility, many others pay little heed. It’s as though they embrace a new mantra, a combo of “that can’t happen here” with”what do I care, anyway.” They do so without regard for the facts and the truth or the consequences of ignoring both.
Here’s JC’s poem which calls upon Canadians on the 157th anniversary of the country’s founding to smarten up, tune in, and step up to do his/her/their part for Canada and for democracy.
Anthem
A Mountie sings the anthem
Fine baritone, scarlet tunic
The odd, stiff brown hat
I strain to hear the others –their singing jumbles off
high glass planes, transparent walls
I make out
Des plus brilliants
God keep
Glorious and free
I hear my voice, small in the great room
Oh Canada, we stand on guard
I will the words to be true
Fear we are not up to it
Many of us don’t bother to vote
We squander our choices, our democracy
Grumble at leaders in power
almost by default
Our fault, really
Centred in everyday lives
Blind to the need to protect this country
Beautiful, fragile
We ought to know better
Know what to do for Canada each day
and in times of flood, plague, war, and fire
Should someone tell us
Should we ask
Or should we go out there
Start somewhere
Work not only for ourselves
but for our Canada
A half hour a day
times the 38+ million of us
(minus the sick, the too-young)
would sure buy a lot
of standing on guard
Share this: