Strangers to Our Shore

They come having heard
Songs of the Maple Leaf
And Hockey Game Tonight.
Visions of the Musical Ride
Of Mounted Police
Or peace-keepers in
Ravaged Yugoslavia.
Scenes of Atlantic or
Prairies or Rockies.
Such a vasr expanse
Of opportunity.
Climate of moderation.
Perhaps their kin
Were pathfinders
In the idea.
But…they meet with
Cold shoulders
Language hurdles
Cruel stereotype
Smirks and disadvantage.
Perhaps not as much pain
In Quebec.
Many there remain
Uncomfortable partners
To the Dominion.
Hospitable, empathetic in
Their own language belt
And mis-represented History.
Takes time and forgiveness.