Canada, My Canada

(I do have a couple more posts about Camping with Eddie, but in keeping with tradition, I offer my annual tribute to Canada using some of my  favourite photos from the past twelve months).  

Canada, my Canada,

Where there is space to explore,
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

forests to hike,
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

secluded lakes to discover,
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

shorelines to wander,
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parks to enjoy,
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

tree lined rivers,
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and boardwalks by oceans.
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

Canada, my Canada,

Where one can walk or bike this mighty land
on the 23,000 km Trans Canada Trail,
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

Or kayak its lakes and oceans,
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

Or go for a drive in the country,
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

or visit a street market,
all in one day.
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

Canada, my Canada,

where we gather with friends,
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

to sing and make music,
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

and to laugh with delight,
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and to play with abandon.
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

Canada, my Canada,

where none need go hungry
(c) Jean Ballard

if we all work together.

(c) Jean Ballard 2013

Canada, my Canada,

Where the youngest
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

and smallest
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of all kinds of species
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

To the oldest among us,
We all have our worth.
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

And the quiet
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and the noisy
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Can all have their say.
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

Canada, my Canada,

where the birds
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

of all colours
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and sizes
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and habitats,
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and the bees
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and the flowers
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bring us joy
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neverending.
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

Canada, my Canada, 

Where we look up to family
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

And show them we care.
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

Canada, my Canada,

Where the tired can find rest
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

And when we're at the end of our rope
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

Someone will stand with us,
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

Protect us,
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

And listen to us.
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

.
Canada, my Canada,

Whether in large urban centres
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

Or out in the country,
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

On a ranch on the prairies
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

Or in a tent by the ocean,
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

We are proud to be Canadian
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

And our ship has come in.
(c) Jean Ballard 2013

Treasure the life this country offers.

Look for its goodness, and contribute to it too.

It is ours for the taking, but also for the giving,

And we must protect it, the land and each other.

Happy Canada Day