We+are+more

1."Define Canada You might say the home of the Rocket Or The Great One Who inspired little No. 9s and little No. 99s

2. But we're more than just hockey and fishing lines Off of the rocky coast of the Maritimes

3. And some say what defines us Is something as simple as 'please' and 'thank you' And as for 'you're welcome,' well, we say that, too

4. But we are more than genteel or civilized

5. We are an idea in the process of being realized

6. We are young, we are cultures strung together then woven into a tapestry And the design is what makes us more than the sum totals of our history

7. We are an experiment going right for a change With influences that range from A to Zed And yes, we say 'Zed' instead of 'Zee'

8. We are the brightness of Chinatown and the laughter of Little Italy

9. We dream so big that there are those Who would call our ambition an industry Because we are vineyards of good year after good year We reforest what we clear

10. Because we believe in generations beyond our own Knowing now that so many of us Have grown past what we used to be We can stand here today Filled with all the hope people have When they say things like 'someday'

11.Because we are more Than a laundry list of things to do and places to see

12. More than hills to ski Or countryside ponds to skate

13. We are the abandoned hesitation of all those who can't wait

14. We are first-rate greasy spoon diners and healthy living cafes

15. A country that is all the ways you choose to live A nation that can give you variety Because we are choices We are millions upon millions of voices Shouting, keep exploring We are more

16. We are the surprise the world has in store for you, it's true Canada is the 'what' in 'what's new'

17. So don't let your luggage define your travels Each life unravels differently And experiences are what make up The colours of our tapestry

18. We are the true North Strong and free

19. And what's more Is that we didn't just say it We made it be"


 * The poem "We are more" by Shane Koyczan is very well written and spoken. He wrote about what it means to be canadian and how canadians are more than the stereotypes people talk about. How Canada is different and still growing. I like how he uses imagery to describe a lot of the metaphors. It made it easier to picture things in my head. I have only been living here for about five years and everything he said about canadians are true. When I look at the people around me, I see people who have a dream they want to achieve. So many people are determined in all kinds of things like sports, the arts and school. I see bikers, marathon runners, and people training for the olympics. In March, I went to go watch the Olympic and Paralympic Trials in Montreal. It was so cool to watch people make the Olympic and Paralympic teams. They've all worked so hard on getting to that point and it really inspired me to work even harder. I think thats what makes us a better country, when we watch each other's dreams come true, it makes others more determined. Shane Koyczan did a great job on reminding us that. Some metaphors he used in his poem were " So don't let your luggage define your travels". It means don't let your past define you future. You shouldn't base your future from your past mistakes, you should take the opportunity to refine it. Another one is " We are young, we are cultures strung together then woven into a tapestry." I think it means that Canada is full different cultures and people and thats what makes us stronger and a tapestry is something that is made from being woven. It is big and beautiful just like Canada. I think the impact of this poem changes when it is being heard because you can really feel the emotion in his voice and how proud he is to be canadian.You can really tell that he has a passion for poetry because it took him twelve years to get a big opportunity and he never gave up during those years. He did a great job and he deserves the recognition.**

**Excellent work Vicky. I espcially like how you ties this poem to your own experiences.** **12/12**