Feel the coolness of the morning, as the sea breezes blow,
In a land where the people, are a pleasure to know.
Where families and friends, come together each day,
It was like this in the beginning, that’s how it will stay.
Nova Scotia’s been tested, as storms come its way,
It’s seen its share of troubles, on a dark dreary day.
From the depths of the coal mines to the Atlantic’s raging sea,
But today hearts are bleeding, from a gun man’s killing spree.
Hearts are left crying, as the families mourn,
A community lies broken, a town is torn.
Where oh where, has love and life gone,
Twenty-two deaths, so sad, so wrong.
“You Belong to Me”, the school teacher sang,
As she played the ukulele, as her children’s voices rang.
In the safety of their kitchen, making a video at home,
A victim of the rampage, Lisa’s life is now gone.
In a community where kindness, a helping hand is the way,
For the lost nurses, business people, trades workers, let us pray.
As well as the caregivers, a teacher, a police officer who died,
Light twenty-two candles, remember their smiles with pride.
Twenty-two victims, some younger and some old,
Some enjoyed fishing or cooking, all lives with a story to be told.
Some saved the lives of others, to end up losing their own,
Sad but true stories, of those who are gone.
With her devotion and courage, Officer Heidi Stevenson died,
For twenty-three years, she wore the Mounties uniform with pride.
Heidi’s daughters and husband lost their mother and a wife,
The community lost a smiling officer, who simply loved life.
Near Enfield Nova Scotia, the sun is high in the sky,
The wind is blowing, as clouds drift by.
The hearts of the people will need many a day,
Healing the loss of their loved ones, as they kneel and pray.
To our proud Nova Scotians we reach out today,
As fellow Canadians, sending love and prayers your way.
As you remember the voices of lost family and friends,
Who now rest in heaven with the angels, forever, Amen.
Eric Shaffer,
Chemainus