Here And Now

Perhaps it can be regarded as 
a family affair. The family in
question comprised of a species
recognized for their efficient
industry, an admirable trait shared
by lesser creatures like bees and
ants, but it was beavers and the
historical relationship linking
them to Canada's foundation
that led to their selection
symbolic of Canada itself,
built on the industry of its
indigenous peoples and its
settlers, its vast forests and
pristine lakes, the minerals and
varied natural resources expressing
a plenitude of wealth and enterprise.
That symbol settles in pairs in
the wooded ravine nearby our home
one generation following another
damming the stream running
through the ravine, building their
lodge and feasting on the poplars
plentiful in the adjacent woods
reminding us that the past is
reflected right here, right now.