It might seem odd to be talking Canada on July 4, but the news from that mighty nation has been good of late, regarding the visiting Royal newlyweds. Despite a few separatist rabble-rousers, their tour of Canada, and especially Montreal and Quebec City, has been delightful, and full of genuine warmth and curiosity. William has spoken French, and Kate has expressed interest in Anne of Green Gables. They have met the Huron chief. They have sailed the St. Lawrence, that great river. They've planted trees, welcomed new citizens - and carried it all off with ease, and charm, and energy. Canada will remain loyal for the next century, if it keeps going like this - and no reason to think it won't. Hopefully, this visit will inspire people in the UK to holiday in Canada.
A poem for my mother, July 15 When she was dying And I was in a different country I dreamt I was there with her Flying over the ocean very quickly, And arriving in the room like a dream And I was a dream, but the meaning was more Than a dream has – it was a moving over time And land, over water, to get love across Fast enough, to be there, before she died, To lean over the small, huddled figure, In the dark, and without bothering her Even with apologies, and be a kiss in the air, A dream of a kiss, or even less, the thought of one, And when I woke, none of this had happened, She was still far distant, and we had not spoken.
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When I went to Canada ten years ago, though, I looked for more interesting sights, such as the Plains of Abraham battlefield in Quebec City and the balcony of Montreal City Hall where de Gaulle made his notorious speech.