“Chapdailane” [Reflections On Louis Hémon's Book Marie Chapdelaine (A Translation by W.H. Blake. Toronto, The Macmillan Company of Canada, 1939)]
The plot was sparse – three guys, one chick,
Each courting her, one she must pick
At edge of woods in old Québec
Tough pioneer stock – present yet.The first one dies – more guts than brains;
The second’s left the wild she tames;
His bid is tempting, but for naught –
Her life-time dream she’d not forgot.For she would rather rough-life have,
Than urban life, no need for salve
For callused palms or blistered feet –
“We’re from Québec – a life that’s sweet”.She feels oasis of Québec
Is best for her; the challenge set
Out for her life? Start here again
An ancient cultured-life, midst pain –“Three hundred years we’ve all survived;
In hostile climate we have thrived;
A chance to rebuild Frankish way
In this New France – I choose this day.”I sense a stronger link to past
In French of Canada – they’ve cast
Their bread upon the waters here,
And it’s returned – that she’s made clear.Thanks Lord for this.
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