Hunting Years Ago

There are many stories - that are told of long ago

when our fathers got their caribou - whenever food was low.

They didn't need a licence - or a fancy machine

but just a wooden country sled - a rope tied to a beam.

Now these were the days when - they all had their dogs

to travel the open country - over hills and across the bogs.

Then they always circled - around every bunch of woods

and followed the snow paths - peeking round their hoods.

There are times I wonder - just how they stood the cold

in the cold and frosty weather - about twenty below.

When they faced the gale winds - and the blinding snow

as they glide along the country - on the dog sleds they did go.

The men with their snowshoes - would stamp down a place

and put up their cotton tents - in a shelter space.

They made up their beds with - the boughs from the trees

and kept the fires a burning - so they wouldn't freeze.

There were always plenty - of caribou around

that roamed the open country - and together they bound.

As they feed on the grasslands - and the bushes the find

on the snow covered marshes - that sparkled and shined.

When the sleds were loaded - and all packed to go

they followed the snow paths - that led to and fro.

They always, got their meat home in the middle of the night

when everything was quiet and no one in sight.

The Coastal Boats

Let me tell to you a story-about some years ago

when there were the steamers-that used to come and go.

Since there were no roads then-across the barren ground

we depended on the coastal boats-the lifeline of this town.

Now everyone was anxious-when they heard the whistle blow

as they wanted on the little nap-'til the steamer came in view.

Then they pulled in by the crowded wharf-as the crew lean on the rail

and threw ashore the tie up rope-that's wrapped around the snails.

Now when the final whistle blew-they lowered down the steps

and the passengers got off the boat-with one hand on their hips.

And the other on the hand rail-as they all came ashore

and headed up the gravel road-up to the corner store.

Now the merchants stood there waiting-as the hatches they unfold

and the crane hoist up the slings of frate-up thro' the narrow hole.

And lowered it on the trolley-that's pushed into the store

where it was unloaded-and they head back for more.

Now everyone was busy-as they sort out the freight

and loaded up the pickup trucks-that saged down with the weight.

Then they went on with the load-up to the warehouse door

and piled up the goods inside-then they went back for more.

Now when the boat's unloaded-and the hatches all laid back

the ladders hoisted up the side-and laid down in the rack.

The men release the tie up rope- that's looped around the snails

as the steamer pulls off from the wharf-and round the point she sails.

Living of the Land

Now much is told 'bout - the fishing grounds

and how they lived in - their own little towns.

But little you hear 'bout - the people who strive

by planting their gardens - so just to survive.

Now during the years when - they lived on the dough

they never had dollars - or cents to show.

But they were so happy - with what they had

and they never complain now - tho' the times were bad.

Now they cleared some farmland - with a pick and a hoe

and they hitched up the horse to - the old wooden plough.

They went up and down as - the fields they go

and planted the trenches - the seeds in a row.

Then they planted their turnips - and some cabbage as well

and few beds of cabbage - in the ground they did till.

But molasses and flour - and the pork they did go

and get it on credit - 'til they get their dough.

Now every spring they - would shear their sheep

and spin their woolsterd - from the wool they reap.

And knit some warm clothing - before the winter's around

when the weather got frosty - and snow on the ground.

Now the boys from Great Jervais - in the fall they rowed

right into Ship Cove - when the crops were growed.

Then they traded their fish for - some potatoes around

before they rowed back with - their boats loaded down.

Now every fall they - would cut their hay

then cut their firewood - and pack it away.

And patched up their houses - and the sheds around

for the cold winters' season - when the snow come down.

Trip from St. Pierre

Now we left St.Pierre with - a full load of booze

and we must be careful - cause its too much to lose.

Now we hope the cutter - is nowhere around

until we get pass Gaultois - and let our nerves calm down.

When we reach the passage - we waited until dark

then headed out for the light - on the high point of Cape Mark.

When we neared the rocky point - we veered to the right

and pulled into a little cove - on the shores of Northern Bite.

There we had a little lunch - and stayed there for the night

then we hid away our booze - completely out of sight.

When we woke next morning - the sun was shining thro'

we went off by Taylors Rock - to jig a fish or two.

Then we packed some liquor - on the bottom of the box

and covered up with the fish - in case we meet the cops.

Now were packed and ready - as we head back in

and leave the rest there hided - until were back again.

And now we go out fishing - once or twice a day

just to catch enough to hide to those - who paid their money down.

Now everyone is happy - that they got their stuff

and poured into a whiskey glass - a drink for each of us.