We+are+More

= Assignment: Describe what the poem means to you. Discuss the use of metaphor to create analogies in the mind of the listener. How does the impact of this poem change when you hear it as apposed to reading it? Use specific examples from the text. = == ==

1."Define Canada You might say the home of the Rocket Or The Great One Who inspired little No. 9s and little No. 99s

2. But we're more than just hockey and fishing lines Off of the rocky coast of the Maritimes

3. And some say what defines us Is something as simple as 'please' and 'thank you' And as for 'you're welcome,' well, we say that, too

4. But we are more than genteel or civilized

5. We are an idea in the process of being realized

6. We are young, we are cultures strung together then woven into a tapestry And the design is what makes us more than the sum totals of our history

7. We are an experiment going right for a change With influences that range from A to Zed And yes, we say 'Zed' instead of 'Zee'

8. We are the brightness of Chinatown and the laughter of Little Italy

9. We dream so big that there are those Who would call our ambition an industry Because we are vineyards of good year after good year We reforest what we clear

10. Because we believe in generations beyond our own Knowing now that so many of us Have grown past what we used to be We can stand here today Filled with all the hope people have When they say things like 'someday'

11.Because we are more Than a laundry list of things to do and places to see

12. More than hills to ski Or countryside ponds to skate

13. We are the abandoned hesitation of all those who can't wait

14. We are first-rate greasy spoon diners and healthy living cafes

15. A country that is all the ways you choose to live A nation that can give you variety Because we are choices We are millions upon millions of voices Shouting, keep exploring We are more

16. We are the surprise the world has in store for you, it's true Canada is the 'what' in 'what's new'

17. So don't let your luggage define your travels Each life unravels differently And experiences are what make up The colours of our tapestry

18. We are the true North Strong and free

19. And what's more Is that we didn't just say it We made it be"

The poem of Shane Koyczan of We Are More is literally about the definition of Canada and is about how Canada is not just a bunch of stereotypes such as hockey. He is saying that Canada is a lot more than what most people would consider and that Canada actually has so many things that describes what Canada is actually about such as being a multicultural nation (Run-On). This poem does have some impact to me because I agree with some of the things he talks about. I agree that Canada is more than what other people give us credit for and the title of We Are More really stands out. I agree that Canada is more than just playing hockey and fishing and that Canadians can do more. The guy used a lot of metaphors and there are a lot of analogies behind it. For exam ple S o don't let your luggage define your travels gives the analogy of don't let your history define where you go. He uses the word luggage instead of the word of baggage which symbolizes the stuff you carry on you which represents your history. He is using this line to talk about how your past does not apply to you right now and that you can travel to Canada. Hearing it as to reading is different because when you read it you only have your way of reading it. When you hear it you can hear the different use of tone and pauses different from just reading it. When you read it you will probably use a monotone way of reading, leaving no pauses when reading, and does not use any actions or movements. When the guy read it, he walked around and used movements from his arm and body when he was emphasizing a point and he also got louder as time went by. He paused at times to let the audience clap and to let an idea sink in their minds. Since this poem is slam poetry, the presentation of the poem is just as important as the poem itself and so the poem needed to be heard and watch rather than just reading it. Some impact that the guy gave from reading the poem out loud was demonstrated as the audience cheered as he drew to the the conclusion of the poem and by the time he said, "We are the true North Strong and free And what's more Is that we didn't just say it We made it be," he was loud and the stadium was deafening. 5/6