MAPLE FLAG FLUTTERING HIGH OVER MIDDLE ISLAND
XU Xiangwu (Andy)


Middle Island, lying south of
Point Pelee National Park in Lake Erie, away
from the City of Windsor,
is the haven of thousands of the 35 endangered
species, from flying birds to crawling snakes.

On July 28, 1999, after more than 30 years,
Middle Island was taken back from
an American car dealer, in the American way,
the way they got the state of Alaska, 
but we paid only $1.3 million to this guy.

This is a major Canadian victory, because
it extends out southernmost territory
3.5 kilometers south, and penetrates further
into the heart of the USA, even though
they always consider us as their obedient little brothers.

Unfortunately, media reports of this event are of
low key; many major newspapers just carried small
articles in certain corners with a hundred words,
it seems as if they were afraid to hurt the Americans,
our arrogant southern neighbours.

The cool Canadians remain even cooler,
without excitement and emotion.

Observing all this, on our Civic holidays, 
a group of Americans boldly wrote
�FAG?on Canadian national flag and burned it
before our cops, spectators, and media crews
right in front of the Supreme Court of Canada.

Upon our flag being burnt into ash,
one woman from this so-called religious antigay group said,
�this is a great success for us, because
we did it right before your eyes, and
you guys just stood there watching us doing it?

Is Ottawa our national capital, right on the Canadian soil?
Does our national flag represent Canada and our dignity?
Should we defend our flag from being trashed?
Only one gutty Canuck among the spectators who wanted
To take action, but, unfortunately, he was stopped by RCMP
          Who provided protection to those Yankees.

When things like gaining Middle Island back happened,
people were not happy and excited;
When things like hooligans burning our national flag occurred,
folks were not angry, remaining motionless.
There must be some problems with our Canadians.

We are not the 51st state of the USA,
we need the Canadian pride and dignity,
our patriotism must be boosted up, and
cheer far and wide for the red maple flag
fluttering high over Middle Island!

(August 4, 1999)