I wrote this poem in June 2025 as we as individual Canadians step up and out from what has been the relationship we have had with the country south of the 49th parallel. And as our national government and various government leaders determine how best to move forward as a nation, this same spirit of strength underlines the decisions and actions necessary for us to be stronger and more sustainable together.
For a long time, we’ve been doing our thing
Accepting of what we can do and have to bring
For our first 157 years, we’ve been doing quite well
With a southern neighbour where big brother does dwell
We’ve been amazing during that time
Pushing the limits even as mountains we did climb
Hit above our weight and stood up for the free
In a world with too many authoritarian wanna be
Yet in the American shadow with all of its might
We sometimes stood down and were subject to slight
With their size and power, there was often little choice
And at times they’ve overwhelmed despite our voice
With all of that, we have managed to prosper and grow
Established our uniqueness and been to the big show
It’s now as if we’ve attained the status of young adult
Clearly ready to stand on our feet and more freely exult
We have the resources and have shown who we are
More important we have the people and our own stars
Under our flag we will continue to grow and build
Pursuing our potential so all dreams are fulfilled
We need and respect our allies, neighbours and friends
However, we’ll always look through a Canadian lens
We’ll bring our strength, values and desire for peace
And may even our musical ride and the Mounted Police
We will speak as one and join with choirs as we need
We will stand up for ourself and those who need to be freed
We will steward the environment of land, sea and air
And be a model world citizen even beyond compare
When one sees our maple leaf on our flag or chest
It signals our pride in Canada and that we’ll do our best
We have fought many battles and stuck out our elbows
We’re now stepping out of the American shadows.