April 1, 1998
Last week, I was in Waskaganish.
This fascinating old Rupert House Post has an interesting past image
Established in 1668.
And I must say it has an exciting present, too, in 1998.
What I noticed right away was the river; I belong here I thought.
Waskaganish has a rare traditional spirit.
Their town is nestled right at the bay
Where the Rupert River flows cold, dark and silent.
The Rupert River has seen it all:
Englishmen entering a land and naming it after their king -Their history now, but the same river flows on When I was there, I went down to see the river, to stand at the river bank.
Maybe a nobleman once also stood there. More recently, Neil stood on that hallowed ground.
The Kanio Kashee lodge is unique, quiet and restful.
I did not stay in the lodge, but I was pleasantly surprised when I went inside.
The place was stunning and cheery.
At Ted’s house where we stayed, we looked out to the Bay at a spectacular scenic spot
Imagine Ted seeing that picture: a perfect view every day.
And Ted knows how to make great bread.
It’s chewy, crispy and very good.
I think one of the nicest things I found in Waskaganish was how friendly the people are.
It’s wonderful to be able to share my poetry with people, share my work and teach.
Some of the problems that are dealt with in every day life come out in poetry.
Writing can be enjoyable, a new challenge.
Anyway, I’ll be the first to admit
I’m amazed at the adventures on which my poetry has taken me. As a poet, I’ve never considered myself to be an artist.
The fact is I’ve never had a single poetry lesson.
All the same I’m not sure how to explain it.
When I write I just imagine myself in the picture, and the poems make music and pictures as I go along.
At first, I was embarrassed to show my poems to anyone, they didn’t seem good enough to share.
But what a pleasant surprise that people liked my poems.
I thank Ted and Gertie for inviting me to Waskaganish And William, Eddie and Hélène.
