Oh Canada!

As has been my tradition for the past several years, I pay tribute to Canada on this her 148th birthday, with some of my favourite images  from the past twelve months. Copyright to all photos is held by the author of this blog;  do not copy images without permission.  Sharing the link via facebook or other social media is permitted. Enjoy!

Oh Canada!

(c) 2015 Jean Ballard

Oh Canada, my Canada,

You awaken us with citrus sunrises

upon our lakes and oceans

And even on the rainy days,
your beauty still astounds us.

Your wildflowers....

wherever we look...

grace our lives

with endless colour.

Oh Canada, my Canada,

where the prickly thistle
creates soft down

and an old rotten stump
gives life to more beauty.

Where each new season
brings us joy

And even storms soon pass.

Canada, my Canada,

Where old cabins upon your shores

And ships from near and far

all have their stories to tell.

Oh Canada, my Canada,

From your cities, with their skyscrapers

and busy, hurried lives

to secluded marinas in glassy bays

And old homesteads on estuaries, 

Or ponds in forests deep, 

Your beauty is everywhere.

 Oh Canada, my Canada

You draw us to your endless forests

and hidden lakes

and rivers

where often,  when we choose to see,

Our pleasure can be doubled.

Oh Canada, my Canada,

Where we can hike a lonely trail

Or wander on a hillside

or hike a mountain 

for the views, 

Or kayak on your waters

Or simply sit and rest a spell.

Oh Canada, my Canada,

though we are far from perfect

and have a ways to go
to truly protect your land and air and water

As long as we are ever mindful, 

Of how our actions

 affect our country

You will always nurture us. 

So whether we are big

or small, 

powerful

or quite fragile, 

Just starting out

or taking flight,

We stand on guard

We stand on guard 

We stand on guard for thee.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CANADA
We are so lucky to live here.