le Pere du Canada

Outside the famed Hotel de Frontenac in Quebec City, right on the St. Lawrence River, there is a grand statue of the man known as the Father of Canada, Samuel de Champlain. Who was this man, and what accomplishments distinguished his life? And what makes Quebec such a special place? More to discover here, in words and images, at blog.amynelsonhahn.info

Qui etes vous?

A long and challenged history,
not chequered, not without victory
but purpled with the bloods of friends
and enemies -- who were you then,
we wonder as we look at your sullen
face, a mounted statue or in a book,
what did you fulfill for the wastrel French
or capture for their foes? Lord only
knows if times can tell it straight
and we no longer have your own
fine yarns to keep the memory of such
fears quite bright or less than wayward -- Sir
do pardon us our faults and failings;
everyone since has meant you well.
Copyright (c) 2012 Amy Nelson Hahn

view with images 3696, 3698, 3697, 3702, 3700, 3703, 3705, 3713, and 3704  from photos.amynelsonhahn.info or visit blog.amynelsonhahn.info