O! Canada – 2021

The Turmoil

On the eve of celebrating Canada Day (01 July 2021)  – we need  to sit back and reflect as to the nature of events that we have experienced in our fair Canada  during the past year.

I have written a
POEM – which expresses my/our emotions  and admiration  for  Canada – for being caring and compassionate country that we are proud of.

Our Country is in turmoil this  year

For the indigenous communities

first the discovery of the remains of 215 children at the former residential school site in Kamloops, B.C

it sets off a wave of mourning and pledges from government to do better at the work of reconciliation.

All political parties talk about it

For Muslim Community

Then the  running down of  a London family with a pickup truck, killing four and severely injuring a nine-year-old boy -a  ” heinous ” crime.

it sets off a wave of mourning and just disgust at this kind of hate crime .

Talks and marches are organised in many cities to  mourn and express grief for such callous act

All political parties talk about it

For Black  Community

Black Lives Matter (BLM) – this movement took a strong resounding following in Canada – though  originating in US

Now we see Black experts in all fields  on TV interviews

All commercials are with black actors – all of  a sudden so many actors discovered

We see blacks have same aspirations , family love life and talents as others .

For all of us  – Covid-19

Hundreds of thousands have died  of the Covid-19 virus -all over the world

Farewell to dying is becoming difficult

Vaccinations have started in earnest though  masks and social distancing is still maintained

O!  Canada

We are astounded

as to what trauma our country is going through

While seek peace and tranquility 

O!  Canada

We are flabbergasted

with a discovery of the remains of 215 children of our indigenous community

And at the former residential school site in Kamloops, B.C

O!  Canada

We are shocked to the bone

witnessing the  running down of  a London Muslim family with a pickup truck

 killing four and severely injuring a nine-year-old boy

What  an ” heinous ” crime.

O!  Canada

We are shaken and vilified

Our historical racial injustices to Blacks and other minorities

Black Lives Matter (BLM) – this movement with resounding following in Canada

though  originating in US

O!  Canada

We are stunned at the spread of  Covid-19 virus

Hundreds of thousands have died  of the Covid-19 virus

all over the world

Farewell to dying is becoming difficult

O!  Canada

We are proud of our country

Society is working hard to correct the historical injustices to our indigenous community

the outpouring of sympathy and support to bereaved Muslin community was astounding 

Now we see Black experts in all fields  on TV interviews and commercials

O!  Canada

We are proud of your humanity

Now we see Black experts in all fields  on TV interviews

Most commercials are with black actors – all of  a sudden so many actors discovered

We see blacks have same aspirations , family love life and talents as others

O ! Canada

We admire your care and sharing

Vaccinations have started in earnest

Though masks and social distancing is still maintained

Industry and businesses are opening

Government financial support is maintained

O! Canada

We celebrate Canada day

With enthusiasm, pride and joy

We stand on guard for thee