The Gardener

Wet skies Grey dawn Blankets the coast. Black rocks Sea foam Triggers the most Atlantic applause, An encore to those Just hearty enough To make a life on The Rock. And to answer the call, Between stone cracks, Moss roots, And squalls, A garden was planted Where nothing Had grown Before. Before... Before the Gardener came The coast was a love-lettered painting, A bouquet to the sun, Orange, red, and yellow flattery Through living imitation. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God," Said the sign On the gate At the edge of St Johns. "But I think I've finally found it," Said the man Creeping silent With his too sharp sheers Cutting flowers Uninvited. - - Everyone's front lawn A memory Of what united Them for two score years. Bloody hands dropping pedals on his way to the shore, "Don't worry," said the man, "I don't want to come back, With any luck," he said again, "I think this should be enough." As he placed in the arrangement A note that read, "Je suis Désolé. Bitte fragen Sie nicht Für mehr." 100 years ago, July 1st, 1916, the entire Newfoundland and Labrador regiment was killed at Beaumont-Hamel, during the Battle of the Somme in World War I. Of 780, only 68 reported for roll-call the next day. After 40 some years of having no military of their own, they had mustered up a unit of volunteers to support the war effort. 90% of them never made it through their first engagement. Canada Day isn't just about celebrating.