We salute Maurice,

who gave his youth for us.

What the reward?

Yes, fifty years ago.

They took away his treaty rights!

 

Who was the enemy then?

Those, who’s evil creed hung,

as a stinking blanket, over us?

Or you, who fought for freedom,

far from home.

To leave friends

dead on a foreign field?

 

How could this be?

I do not understand.

Is this gratitude?

Is there no shame?

 

Forgive those who

have wronged you.

For in forgiveness

light will shine.

You are shown a man.

A man who gave freedom to us

You are a warrior,

tall on the grassy plain.

Wind in your face

we will remember you.

 

Thank you Maurice Desjarlais

and other men as brave.

 
 

David Garlick, Lethbridge, June, 1995
 

 

Written in honor of Maurice and others who may have been deprived of their birthrights. Some reward for men who fought for the  freedom of all.  Shame is our legacy.