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"

= Assignment: Describe what the poem means to you. Discuss the use of metaphor to create analogies in the mind of the listener. How does the impact of this poem change when you hear it as apposed to reading it? Use specific examples from the text. =

==**As a Canadian myself I think this poem has a special connection with me. It is a powerful speech that is trying to express the wonders of Canada to nations from all over the world. It gives us national pride hearing one of our own speaking so proudly about the country we live in. He uses the global stereotypes of Canada such as we are all fishers or hockey players off the Rockey coast of the Maritimes, he says we are more, he says Canada is more, and does so in a way so powerful it was able to move our entire nation, as well as impress many others. The chance he was given to speak on such a global level was unique and a once in a life time opportunity, that he took to full use. Its also not just reading his words and seeing the poem in writing, but hearing him speak so passionately about what he believes in adds another affect to his speech that made it so special. He uses metaphors to not only in rich his writing but uses real life things like, "**We are more than a laundry list of things to do and places to see" or "We are the abandoned hesitation of all those who can't wait." Canadians love their pride, we live in a beautiful place and have every right to be proud of it, and this poem, in my opinion, was able to bottle up our pride in one piece of writing, and share it with the world. It was an amazing way to open the Olympic games.==

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