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[cblj_backup]

la_rainette asked for a sonnet, and lo! Ellis provides. :)

In a few days Cathy will swear the oath of Citizenship to become a Canadian citizen (and shortly thereafter vote in the French elections; she's quite the most international person I know) so I thought that commemorating the occasion would be only appropriate. It's an amazing thing to become a citizen of any country and, as she is well aware, carries grave responsibilities.

FOR CATHY, ON TAKING THE OATH

J'affirme solennellement
que je serai fidèle et porterai sincère allégeance
à Sa Majesté la Reine Elizabeth Deux,
Reine du Canada, à ses héritiers et successeurs,
que j'observerai fidèlement les lois du Canada
et que je remplirai loyalement
mes obligations de citoyen canadien.

See there, the book, the oath, the flag, the clerk,
"Now raise your hand, repeating after me.
Say your name here, please -- hand upon the book,
Allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen."
But these are only words, not real at that,
We must have words where no real words may sound.
You do a true and fearsome thing today,
Go outside and stand barefoot on the ground.
This ground is yours now. This air is your air,
And you have solemn duties to uphold
To guard the land and people that you chose;
Choose leaders, choose your laws. Be wise and bold.
Your children breathe your life, and to them too
You bear the duties that the land contends --
To raise them that they understand the gift
You give this day. Good luck, new citizens.
But all of this you knew, I think, and more;
You chose this place. Now, welcome to its shores.

Comments

[la-rainette.livejournal.com]

*blinks back tears* It's as beautiful as I remember, and it moves me just as much as the first time I read it.

Thank you. *hugs*

[copperbadge.livejournal.com]

*hugs!* I am glad you still like it :)