STRANGERS ON OUR SHORE
Canada sent troops to England
Their shores to defend
English lassies captured the hearts
Of our Canadian men.
Romance was very short
Engagements shorter still
Marriage was on their minds
A void needed to be filled.
It was distressing for the families
When they said ‘Goodbye’
Many tears were shed
Many were with “child.”
They sailed across the ocean
Those courageous English wives
Canada would be their home
For the rest of their lives.
A new world unfolded
Not all experienced a happy life
With different customs and expressions
Just added to the strife.
Brides had not seen their husbands
For months, some for years
Would they be perfect strangers?
Would that be their only fear?
Some had visions of grandeur
The men told them so
Many hardships they encountered
It was such a terrible blow.
Shattered were the dreams
It was not the life they sought
But time has a way of healing
And they were a hardy lot.
Many years have passed
Since those lassies graced our shore
We thank them for their contribution
Strangers they are no more.
Lois Laycock is originally from Jacquet River, New Brunswick. She went to Montreal, P.Q. in 1942 at age
18. She joined Air Force House as a volunteer three nights a week and Saturday. She met her husband, Ralph Laycock, at Air Force House on June 6 /45. There were married on August 21/45 and remained so for 63 years. She is an international poet, with 5 books of poetry published. She is the author of “The Unknown Soldier” which she wrote for The Royal Canadian Legion in the year 2000 (a special celebration in Ottawa). She is a life member of the Legion.) She is also an artist and still continues to paint. She has lived in Ottawa for the past 20 or so years.
Reference: www.heroines.ca