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.**

- To me, this poem is one person's fantastic expression of how they love our country, Canada. It is as if he speaks for all true Canadians when he recites each verse he wrote with truth and emotion in a voice powerful enough to give the listener chills. In the poem, he doesn't write it in his own perspective, but from all Canadians by saying "we" instead of "I". Reading the poem, it is clear that it is well written and is an excellent piece of writing no doubt. Although, when the poem is spoken aloud by the person who wrote it, it really comes to life. He spoke it with truth and love, you could hear it in his voice and ithad twice the impact that way than it ever could have by staying written on the page. In the 15th verse the author proves through a powerful metaphor exactly why his poem is titled "We Are More"; "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" What he is saying throughout the entire po em esp ecially in the verse written above, is that Canada gives it's people freedom and independence to make their own decisions on how to life their lives. We will not judge you unfairly based on your race, religion, or past, because that does not define you. "We Are More", means we have endless possibilities of things we have the power to accomplish, thanks to Canada our nation, and proves the fact that ultimately we the citizens of our country are the reason all of this is possible today.

Excellent response! 10/12