We+Are+More

1."Define Canada You might say the home of the Rocket Or The Great One Who inspired little No. 9s and little No. 99s

2. But we're more than just hockey and fishing lines Off of the rocky coast of the Maritimes

3. And some say what defines us Is something as simple as 'please' and 'thank you' And as for 'you're welcome,' well, we say that, too

4. But we are more than genteel or civilized

5. We are an idea in the process of being realized

6. We are young, we are cultures strung together then woven into a tapestry And the design is what makes us more than the sum totals of our history

7. We are an experiment going right for a change With influences that range from A to Zed And yes, we say 'Zed' instead of 'Zee'

8. We are the brightness of Chinatown and the laughter of Little Italy

9. We dream so big that there are those Who would call our ambition an industry Because we are vineyards of good year after good year We reforest what we clear

10. Because we believe in generations beyond our own Knowing now that so many of us Have grown past what we used to be We can stand here today Filled with all the hope people have When they say things like 'someday'

11.Because we are more Than a laundry list of things to do and places to see

12. More than hills to ski Or countryside ponds to skate

13. We are the abandoned hesitation of all those who can't wait

14. We are first-rate greasy spoon diners and healthy living cafes

15. A country that is all the ways you choose to live A nation that can give you variety Because we are choices We are millions upon millions of voices Shouting, keep exploring We are more

16. We are the surprise the world has in store for you, it's true Canada is the 'what' in 'what's new'

17. So don't let your luggage define your travels Each life unravels differently And experiences are what make up The colours of our tapestry

18. We are the true North Strong and free

19. And what's more Is that we didn't just say it We made it be"

====** Assignment: Describe what the poem means to you. Discuss the use of metaphor to create analogies in the mind of the listener. How does the impact of this poem change when you hear it as apposed to reading it? Use specific examples from the text. **====

The poem "We Are More" by Shane Koyczan means many things to me as a canadian teenager personally and literally. It describes what Canada is by someone living in the prime of it. This poem knows how young Canada still is, and embraces the youth instead of ignoring it. This is important to me as a teen, because I feel recognized in society. "We Are More" also breaks the traditional sterotypes surrounding Canadians while also acknowledging the truth behind some of them, such as "And some say what defines us is something as simple as 'please' and 'thank you' and as for 'you're welcome,' well, we say that, too". Shane Koyczan has brought a sense of empowerment to every citizen in Canada by including them in some way. Whether it be muliticulturalism, youth or ambition, each of us can find something to relate to in this poem. If we were to just read the poem, we would have an understanding, but not one as deep as that of spoken word. Emphasis, rhythm, and emotion are more evident when you hear the poem aloud, and are able to feel the intent behind the voice. What makes this poem so effective, are the numerous metaphors. My favourite is "So don't let your luggage define your travels". Everyone has something in their past that they regret or try to forget about. By abandoning our burdens, we can move into the future without the weight of what has happened disappear and make way for what is to come. Another significant line is "We are the abandoned hesitation of all those who can't wait". Canadians are learning to go full-force into what they believe and to become who they want to be by ignoring second-thoughts and dealing with circumstances. There is no way we can solve anything if we do not move forward on it. The sum of what Shane Koyczan pieces together in his tapestry of a poem leaves an impact on the reader as it has on the world. What he says makes you think about life in a positive light, and that is something we can all relate to. We are more. That title fits the poem remarkably well.

Excellent response. 12/12