My G20 Poem

I Stand on Guard for Thee

June 26^th twenty-ten

Toronto’s G20 was then.

I attended workshops and training in preparation,

I had no idea so many would need reparation.

The People’s Summit was inspiring

but the police were already perspiring,

worrying about what we would do

with plans to throw us in their zoo.

The Week of Action was about our rights

for democracy we are forced to fight.

And while those with a lot of clout

participated in a Shout Out,

the police agencies started to brace

all of their planning resulting in a disgrace.

On that Saturday morning

it was grey and pouring,

yet thousands showed up to say

they weren’t happy with the way,

Harper and his rich friends were ruling

- the entire world they are ruining.

The police told us to stay away

creating fear amongst the fray,

but we came out anyway

despite the threats that we would pay.

And not because we were rebels

or wanted to cause troubles,

but because we love our country

and in theory still are free

to protest and detest

lest we lose what’s best.

The land, water and air

it’s plight just isn’t fair.

Polluted by multi-nationals,

the public getting no rationale.

As Nafta and CETA rob us blind

our public services we’ll no longer find.

Harper forcing trade deals through in a hurry.

Whose favour is he trying to curry?

And yet voices are so critical

at a time so pivotal.

We’re not just fighting for our view

we are fighting for you all too.

So if our marches inconvenienced you,

imagine fresh water for only a few – but not you.

And not your loved ones.

It’ll be protected by corporate guns.

For a steep profit

they’ll clean it and sell it

back to Canadian citizens.

How will we afford our medicines?

Now privatized.

Harper’s dream realized.

Everything in Canada for sale,

even the delivery of our mail.

So for those who were not there,

please dare to be fair.

The media coverage was one-sided,

almost as if they were pre-guided

on what to say and what to play

regardless of the peaceful reality.

It was banality.

Showing burning cars for hours

was media produced by cowards.

Over a thousand arrested,

many never even protested.

Thrown in cages

and igniting rages

that had not been

because the guards were unjustly mean.

Laughing at the sick,

did they forget this was the public

they swore to serve and protect?

The police actions cannot go unchecked.

They must have meant to demean

serving urine in Styrofoam – obscene.

And all because people were on a street

or trying to get home – not beat.

It is berserk

that those who had to work

were expected to accept defeat

as if earning a living was to compete

with the establishment.

Such an embarrassment.

Harper’s legacy - a folly.

Canada’s resources his debauchery.

Tailings ponds growing and leaking

as multi-national corporations are guzzling and sabotaging

our fresh water, our trees, our tar

our land forever scarred.

While trade deals, conceal

true intent, and the extent to which they will

change Canada without our consent.

The G20 hangover is not ending

with the civil action suit still pending.

And as the police add pictures to their line-up

to try to counterbalance their fuck-up.

I, we, us

the active citizens, protesters and anarchists amongst us,

will continue to right the wrongs.

Alone and in throngs.

To bring Canada back to it’s former pride

and if we fail, at least I can say I tried.

Oh Canada, I know you can once again be

a land healthy, strong and free, and so

I stand on guard, for thee.

T.F.