us Colourful Canadians

for Einstein Noodle

I wear red and white

on the 1st of July

and if you ask me why

I'll tell you I am Canadian eh,

That's our country's birthday!

I eat vinegar on my fries,

and speaking of which,

Add some gravy and cheese,

And you have a poutine

(that's "poo tin", not "pooteen")

--  a Canadian delicacy!

If you come here for vacation

Don't pack your skis in June,

And a tip's a dollar loon.

Remember a Timmy is a coffee,

And a two dollar coin a Toonie.

I like a little colour in the centre;

I buy gas by the litre,

And always try to be polite

I'll probably say sorry

When I analyse your tendency

To forget we are a whole other country

And not just a northern state.

We'll forgive you for forgetting

Our contributions to everything

From the telephone to insulin

To basketball and WWII

We'll even let you pretend

All those great singers, actors,

And comedians, are Americans too.

But don't you dare claim

Howe, or Gretzky,

or Crosby, or Lemieux --

When it comes to greats in hockey

Only a Canadian will do!

Author's Note

Reviews

[Paul Bell]

You lot not good at that curling too.

[Lyn Anderson]

I wanted to spur Canadians to write for Canada day. I think three of us did.

[Lorry]

Uhm, yeah. What else is there to put on chips. Hmm, well actually, over here, curry sauce n chips....cheese n chips...or both at the same time, which I am told is delicious, but yeuch, no thanks.
And hat tipped to mentioning the real inventor of the telephone was NOT Mr A.G.Bell, the record books now show he was in fact a thief who stole it and claimed it as his own. Sorry fellow Scots, but it's true. (feel free to google it) My favourite quote on Canada was "it's like a freshly hovered America"
But one thing puzzles me KL, if you are Canadians, why aren't you from Canadia :)

[Lyn Anderson]

Canada, is of course, Kanata - an indigenous word meaning,"the land" more or less. We are, I find, more similar I nature to Australians than Americans in some ways. Mostly even Americans will admit to not knowing a lot about us - not a thought as to why, for example, the space shuttle's arm is called a Canadarm.

[Lorry]

Oh, that is amazing. I am definitely looking out for that on who wants to be a millionaire. I hope someone is there when I answer correctly, they will be totally gobsmacked. Hmmm, you know, I can't think of anything quite so impressive about Scotland. Let me get back to you on that :)

[Pryde Foltz]

Hahaha ... long live the beaver ... the most masterful and powerful of rodents. Happy Canada Day from the left coast:):):):)

[Lyn Anderson]

Thanks Pryde. Believe it or not I come from the one part of Ontario that consistently votes Green or NDP.

[Pryde Foltz]

I live in Hedy Fry's riding:):):)

[Coyote Poetry]

Very nice. I live on the Canadian border. Beautiful and safe country. They do own hockey. Russian okay too. Vinegar on flies. Too much for me. Thank you dear friend for sharing the fun poetry to read.
Coyote

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you for reading and Happy Canada Day

[Coyote Poetry]

Happy Canada Day.

[NeiL ArandA]

I watch boxing so I know Lemieux. He is a world class puncher. And yes if you have an extra ordinary talent the border is wide open for you in order to represent the Eagle in the Olympics.

[Lyn Anderson]

Hi. Thanks for the review. I think. Not sure if this is an attempt at humour, but I am thinking it is. Mario Lemieux is in my list of hockey players, and none of those I listed are known for fighting.

[redzone]

KL, Neil may be one of those super intelligent Americans who thinks ice hockey is epitomized by the "Broad Street Bullies" (Phila. Flyers)... no skating skills, no finesse, just drop the gloves and start swinging and someone was bound to get the puck in the goal.. I am definitely going for the humor in my comment... ;0) Lemieux knew how to skate, he danced across the ice and I am not a big hockey fan, but he definitely was one of the greats...

[Lydia Shutter]

Is a Timmy a coffee because of Tim Horton? This is such a cute write. I am sure Einstein will get a kick out o it. I really enjoyed this, eh! Lydi**

[Lyn Anderson]

yes, that is why. Tim Hortons coffee shops are in the States too, but their popularity here is very big.

[Lydia Shutter]

I thought that was the case. I remember hearing about Tim Horton's from a Canadian lady I met on a cruise many years ago. At that time, they were not in the states.

[redzone]

Canucks...EH!!!

so you sell loons for a dollar, interesting... eh!! lol
write, rant away Ms Canuck, it was indeed delightful..
but please never ever call me American as I hate all the jingoistic jingoism of the US/American, USA#1 bullcrappy... we are after all people of the earth...

redzone

[Lyn Anderson]

welcome. I thought you had decided to stop reviewing me.:) hugs.

[Lyn Anderson]

you do know our dollar is called a loon (loonie) right? :)

[redzone]

why in the world would I stop reviewing your poetry KL!! never!! I love your poetry...
I was teasing you about the "loon" (loonie)... I knew, but it was also good to be reminded...

[barleygirl]

I LOVE THIS!!! You mention many things I wasn't aware of, as far as being Canadian (delightful details & I love your pronunciation tips!) I am very aware of many great performers from Canada (Celine Dion & Michael Buble, two faves). And I believe most from the US consider hockey to be the domain of our northern neighbor. It must be particularly annoying the way we from the US call ourselves "Americans" as if we are the only country in all of America! But maybe you don't realize how many in the US have great respect & admiration for these Canadian qualities: being a peace-loving nation & having a people-caring culture. By the way, my 60th birthday is July 4th, so I'll be celebrating in red-white-blue along with MY nation *tee! hee!*

[Lyn Anderson]

I poke fun, of course, I grew up on the Minnesota border. First time I realized there was a difference between us was when I ordered vinegar for my fries in a restaurant. I was about 8. Also, I went on a trip, met a nice man from Georgia, who sincerely thought he would look me up when he came to Canada. At the time I lived 13 hours northeast of Toronto, and he was going to Vancouver.

[barleygirl]

Your final anecdote is funny . . . I always forget which big Canadian cities are on the west, middle, or east! I also can't remember your provinces & what part of the country they're in!

[Einstein Noodle]

:) .......... eh!

E.
ps i am so humbled to have this dedicated to me ...i think ;)

[Lyn Anderson]

I was inspired to explain my isms.:)

[Einstein Noodle]

ooooooooooooooooo sexy!

[Jon Roggie]

Also, post some Rush, Triumph, and Bob and Doug videos. I am not joking. I have went to six Rush concerts, and saw Triumph once.

[Lyn Anderson]

Bob and Doug. Yay. Kids in the Hall. If you haven't seen it, watch. Rush is one of our most famous exports. I am going to see Serena Ryder this week.

[Jon Roggie]

I loved Kids in the Hall.

[Lyn Anderson]

I am torn whether I like the Ax murderer or the Chicken lady the best.:)