Canada Day

At about half past noon, some of the neighbours and I made our way up the trail into the park

“Andria’s not here” she said and several of us chorused

“don’t worry, she’s always late”

And so we gathered at the top of the hill,

a few people who live on the same street,

to celebrate Canada Day

It was somewhat artificial,

in that we wouldn’t necessarily be hanging out with these folks if there was a frickin’ choice about it,

but that is what made it special.

Hanging out with people who aren’t your “type” or political persuasion is kind of cool on the national holiday.

So it was a pleasant early afternoon, as the day warmed and we admired the view and watched eagles soar overhead.

Everyone except me brought food – ‘cuz  I am on a mighty diet, and I refused all blandishments and bribes.

Even Andria who showed up late as usual brought gorgeous looking muffins, but baked goods and wheat are things I now avoid.

But still and all, we made connections and shared thoughts and memories, and bonded up there on the sacred rock.

A short time late I made my way to downtown, happily scoring a parking spot in a prime location easily.

I love it when that happens – when I was young and foolish I conjured a parking spell that has worked for decades and spaces seem to open before me.

Being in a provincial capitol on the national day of celebration, there was tons of stuff going on downtown.

Hordes of tourists, families, and lots of plain folks.

Jostling and jumpy line-ups.

Excited kids as one might expect.

Music.

Buskers.

Magicians.

Face-painting.

Artists.

Tarot readers.

Food Stalls.

Artists.

Clothes

Jewelry

You name it, it was all there, with the backdrop of the Inner Harbour and sailing boats

I rambled on and I rambled there

The crowds swirled and obstructed, parted and grew. And I travelled the circle back to where I started, quite enheartened

Later, after dinner and a walk, I found the folding armchair in the camping gear in a much disused cupboard

I dug it out and dusted it off and waited for dusk to dim the light of the early summer sky

Once more I walked up to the hill and searched out a vantage for the fireworks to come,

setting up and settling down in an alcove just below the brow

Of the hill, that is, as per Frank Lloyd Wright’s instructions that echo in my mind today

I watched the twilight dim against the glory of the sky

I watched as pilgrims new ascended the hillside

Soon, kids were playing and moms were fretting as we settled in to wait for dark

Or dark enough for the lightshow we were waiting for

Soon enough the rockets roared and dazzled us from afar

No crashing roars from far away, no trembling ground and buzzing ears

But still and all a good display, of lights and starbursts not so far away

And then they stopped

We went away

Returning to safety, returning to today

David Trudel  © 2012