My Birthplace As a Poem
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Poetry/Prose Poetry/My Birthplace as a Poem
Copyright Protected, ID 05-1550-977-30
All Rights Reserved, 2023, Constance La France
Written May 30, 2023
For the International Standard Contest
If Your Birthplace-Country Was a Poem
sponsor, Anoucheka Gangabissoon, Judged 07/08/2023
First Place
I was was born in Ottawa, Canada and have lived here all my life and have
never wanted to leave. It is a beautiful city rich in historic architecture.
It is located where two rivers meet, the Ottawa River and the Rideau River,
we also have a man-made canal which runs through the city, designed to
transport lumber in the early days, now the longest skating rink in the world
and in summer used for sightseeing boats and other boats. It joins the Ottawa
River by an intricate lock system. Ottawa is built on Algonquin Anishinaabe
land and is derived from the Algonquin word 'adawe' to trade, originally it
was called By Town, after Colonel By, who designed the city and streets.
Samuel de Champlain wrote about the waterfalls around the area and his
encounters with the Algonquin people.
To view Ottawa at night is like stepping into a dream, it is magical with
it's romantic and picturesque architecture in the style of ornate neo-gothic
revival buildings and Victorian homes. A walk in the daytime will not
disappoint. I grew up in an old neighborhood and will never forget it.
In the downtown core we have a historic market called Byward Market,
it is an open air market for farm produce, crafts, with places to eat, shops,
cobble stones, courtyards, flower boxes everywhere, benches, fountains,
and sculptures, outdoor patios, even horse drawn carriages. I like going
there on the weekends just to walk around and soak up the atmosphere.
I love going to the National Art Gallery, visiting the ornate churches,
and taking a walk in the older tree-lined streets with beautiful homes
displaying cables, dormer windows, second floor balconies, some restored,
some fading beauties.
We share a connection to Quebec with several old bridges over the
Ottawa River. Ottawa has many wonderful buildings, it is the heart of
the political center, the capital of Canada, home of the Prime Minister.
It is a mix of peoples and cultures entwined, we welcome everyone.
Our skyline is restricted, so no buildings are too high. And we have a
lot of culture happening in the way of visual and physical arts, music,
theater, museums, and interesting areas like China Town and Little Italy.
Getting around is a breeze with a dedicated bus route system and the
O-train light rail, that takes you downtown from anywhere in minutes,
there are bike paths and walking paths. We have lots of parks too. Yes,
I love my birthplace, no need to go anywhere as I am steeped in history ...
Copyright © Constance La France | Year Posted 2023
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