Scott__Anthology_of_Up-to-Date_Canadian_Poetry.tiff

An Anthology of Up-to-Date Canadian Poetry By F.R. Scott

Prologue 'We see thee rise, O Canada, The true North, strong and free, (Tralala-lala, tralala-lala, etc. . . .'

I Natural Resources

Come and see the vast natural wealth of this mine. In the short space of ten years It has produced six American millionaires And two thousand pauperized Canadian families.

II The New Philanthropy

This employer, who pays $9 a week for a 10 hour day, Is exceedingly concerned Lest Mr. Bennett should adopt the dole, And so ruin the morale of the workers.

III Summer Camp

Here is a lovely little camp Built among Canadian hills By a Children’s Welfare Society Which is entirely supported by voluntary contributions. All summer long underprivileged children scamper about. And it is astonishing how quickly they look healthy and well. Two weeks here in the sun and air Through the kindness of our charity subscribers Will be a wonderful help to the little tots When they return for a winter in the slums.

IV The Hero

Having stuck several Germans with a bayonet For Canada, the Empire, and Civilization, This unemployed ex-service man Surveys the results of his sacrifice From a bread line.

V Hospital

Here the sick and dying are cared for With the latest scientific skill, And are visited by those to whom they are dear — The rich, in their private rooms, every day, The poor, in the public wards, From 2 to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

VI Sound Finance

The great executive heads of this corporation Follow the principles of sound, conservative finance. By reducing wages, turning old employees into the street, And drawing upon reserves hidden away during prosperity, They have been able to continue paying full dividends.

VII Democracy: 1832–1932

Canada celebrates the centenary of the Reform Bill By keeping the Beauharnois enquiry from going too far.

VIII Our Institutions

Meet Senator Haymond D. Belgan McLocourt Whom the Canadian people have chosen as lawmaker. He was unsparing of his private means (or his shareholders’) In helping his party — sheer public spirit Justly rewarded by the lease of a power site. Later he was given a constituency in the Maritimes And was famous for the staunch way he got jobs for his friends. After a few years of this training in statecraft The death of Senator Wishwash, aged 97, (You know — the one connected with the Custom’s scandal) Created a vacancy in the Upper Chamber, So H. D. B. McLocourt was accorded the honour.

IX Xmas Shopping

It is so nice for people to give things at Christmas That the stores stay open every evening till ten, And the shop-girls celebrate the coming of Christ By standing on their feet fourteen hours a day.

X British Traditions

Crack this man's head open with a police baton, And send him to gaol for sedition.