The Canadian Creed

asked to write something authentically Canadian

Walking on water isn’t much of a trick 

where I’m from. Ice runs 

through veins. Hard and fast 

over rivers, ponds, careless bums 

who can’t remember to keep their heads up 

floating across the middle. The whole country 

knows the lay of the land: never turn the other cheek,

keep your elbows out, dicks under cover 

or else fugetaboutit. If you can’t shoot, 

don’t score, go south, pick up a ball. 

Try wrestling, poetry, arbitrage. 

Beavers, leafs, toukes not tocks, 

poutine, periods, three, unless tied --

then play on! Next goal wins! 

Ken e Bujold

Reviews

[Dave Brown]

Reminds me of Grey Owl and his lady love crossing the ice when she fell through
Typically Canadian, with only a few who aren't able to punctuate correctly!

[Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn..]

Ken,

In my book of for what it's worth: Determination is the backbone of any nation or people, clearly Canadians, indeed, possess backbone and determination ... Excellent Poem ...

Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn de Graham

[John the Baptist]

Keep your dicks under cover. And all this time I thought Canadians were super tolerant. Even flashers need love.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

I'm not Canadian but after reading this piece I started to feel like I was. Kinda jealous I'm not hehe. I really enjoyed this piece Ken.

[Perdition]

.....And for crying out loud give the right of way to those mad caps on the Alcan...lol. Also, remember that the speed limit is not in mph as I made that sleepy mistake going waaaaaay too fast northward in Ontario. I believe you've caught it sir Ken. Canada is that one true place I found where the grass is literally greener once crossed over from Niagra and Glacier NP. OFF TO THE YUKON!!! An amazing tribute to a beautiful country and I just know that those Northern lights are dipping down to read this. aye.. hahaha. Thoroughly enjoyed...Thanks~

[Neville]

the last time I was in Canada (Ottawa) it was as cold as you have outlined .. first time in my life I smelled skunk .. and I aint talking weed .. I mean one o them black n white stinky things hiding to keep warm in my brother-in-laws garage .. we are just not geared up to it here in the UK ..(England) minus 40 degrees I mean

[Lorry]

And this reminds me of one of my favourite senryu, which I'm not allowed to say that often because it's one I wrote.

Walking on water,
I felt like the chosen one...
Until it melted.

It also reminds me of the excellent Canadian comic Stewart Francis who said "I am a very proud Canadian and rightfully proud of the Canadian education I received, back home in Canadia."
You should check out his bit of being a member of overactors anonymous... I still fall off my seat when I hear it. I wish someone would Velcro me to that bloody seat though!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8TqrJVEPFeg