Poet W H Auden claimed in his poem 'In Memory of W B Yeats' that "poetry makes nothing happen", but undaunted and as the out-going poet laureate, I offer these lines for your consideration at your inaugural meeting this December 1,2014:
This most fair city that is indeed
just north enough to be perfect
still a young jewel in the polishing
settled between sparkling lakes
needs your constant care
attention and good governance
in the coming term
First we must thank you for standing
campaigning and being elected
as our representatives to govern
and manage our city our home
We hope your heartfelt harmony
your close collaborations achieved
with due diligence and discussion
of researched careful consideration
spoken openly with clarity and conviction
will guide us boldly into the years ahead
You are our worthy ambassadors
proclaiming aloud our proud virtues
of pleasant place and golden opportunity
of colleges university hospital and busy factories
of youthful vitality and legacy wisdom
of recreation fishing sailing and skiing
of beautiful lakes and trees perched
on the solid Canadian Shield
We look to you as patrons of the arts
guardians of our heritage and culture
as protectors of our environment
our persons and our properties
we need your care of the less fortunate
the helping hand outstretched
to those in need or distress
We trust you to be compassionate listeners
hearing our petitions and grievances
understanding our weaknesses yet seeing
our determined strengths and convictions
for it is in you we place our trust
our confidence our hopes
of opportunities and due rewards
Be you therefore good stewards not only
of our levied dues but of our fair city
that sparkling jewel that is truly
just north enough to be perfect
May your term begin with enthusiasm
and conclude with the personal satisfaction
of great accomplishment
