PAST AND PRESENT INTERMINGLED
By Jean Kinch
On looking back to days gone by
There is no pleasing every one,
Things so good in Father's day
Are displeasing to his son.
The councillor and his helpers
Long have listened to complaints,
He who dares to stand as candidate
A much brighter picture paints.
The old municipal government
St. Paul County it became,
But government is government
Whatever be its name.
The little country school house
That served each district well.
Has been centralized at Heinsburg
Is it better? Time will tell.
The "Powers That Be" now tell us
A metric system must be used,
But cooks who learned some years ago
Will never be enthused.
Old folks find grams and meters
To be a fearful drag,
The young will take it in their stride
As they did the change of flag.
Along the North Saskatchewan River
West of Heinsburg to Lea Park,
Where ferries plowed the waters
From daylight until dark.
Of spring and autumn crossings
Many tales are left untold,
The dangers and the hardships
None but the river can unfold.
A bridge is built at Heinsburg now
One for crossing at Lea Park,
Strong men no longer answer calls
For the ferry after dark.
The Indian and the Whiteman?
Both have cultures to preserve,
Those men of both sides passed away
Who mapped out the reserve.
Perhaps the differences of opinion
Have been shown in broader light,
Where each has found expression
PatIn "Land of Red and White".
Past and present intermingled
Tis hoped each reader found delight,
And renewed some old acquaintances
In "Land of Red and White".
