Pearson-Shoyama Institute
Place du Canada

Flooding Dreams

As early as October 28,1994, I came to the conclusion that CANADA was a mirage where opportunities abound only for those who have a "white mentality". It is particularly hard on the new professionally qualified landed immigrants that they have to go through a humiliating process before a niche is discovered. Donovan Bailey is exemplary of the transformation effected by the painful process of Canadization. But the cultural roots remain as constant reminder to underline the fact that one can secure recognition and prosperity only if you are "exceptionally gifted".

"Flooding Dreams" is my creative composition dedicated to all new immigrants ( who are quite ironically a decisive factor in the development of young Canada - let it be the Quebec Referendum, Sports, Small Business entrepreneurs,Redistribution of per capita federal debt etc) who have soul stirring Canadian experience before they discover the niche. These verses were recited at an august function of Cross Cultural Communication Inc ( 365 Bloor Street East, St 1801, Toronto Tel: 416-413-7766). Thanks to the effort of Mr. Terry Jenkins, Project Manager and Dr Dennyson Perriera, Human Rights Specialist & Snr Trainer for showing us the way to cope with this "White Canadian Mentality") which managed the programm of retraining professional immigrants to enter Canadian society and workplace.

"O Canada! We were beckoned to your shores;
To dream of success that eludes till now,
And for this we must raise ourselves from the bootstraps,
Like the true pioneering spirit of this land -
Knowing fullwell that life is full of sobs,
Sniffles and Smiles -with sniffles dominating over the rest.

O Canada! Is this purging a litmus test,
To purify our very existence,
In a Significant Pledge Ambitions Contained
By realities resting on pillars of strength and hope -
Through diverse cultures and myriad of languages;
To unify our broken spirit and prove to the world,
We have come aboard against death defying circumstances -
So let's talk as friends in this most challenging workplace.

O Canada! Give us strength and courage,
To shape our destinies within your bosom-
Would life be the same for all our loved ones;
Or is it just a glimmer of hope that appears to recede;
But we are made of sterner stuff - a veritable array
Of talent and skill - to make this country a virtual
Repository of human wealth - for you to choose from
As you like And smooth the millions in the corporate jungle.

O Canada! While in this forest,
Which bamboo - the flute
The mellifluous tunes to produce the music
That softens the knotted oak or bend the hardest heart

La vie est vaine
Un peu d'amour
Un peu de haine
Et puis -Bon jour!

La vie est breve]
Un peu d'espoir
Un peu de reve
Et puis - Bon Soir."

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composed under the pen name SUNRAY SPICE



From: Philbert Suresh edexintl@idirect.com
Organization: Internet Direct, Canada