I AM WHAT I AM WHAT I AM

I think new ground has been broken by Bruce (Caitlyn) Jenner and Rachel Dolezal.   We tell children, ‘You can be anything you want to be when you grow up.”   Now we can add to that: ‘You can be any one you want to be.’

With that in mind I have come to a decision: I am disgusted with the religious insanity driving the U.S. at all levels of government; so I’ve decided to be a Canadian.    Not just any Canadian but a Newfoundlander.   Not just any Newfoundlander bur Joey Smallwood the legendary Premier of Newfoundland that walked the train tracks from Port-aux-Basque to St John’s to garner votes.

Ize the bye that builds the boats

And Ize the bye that sails her.

Ize the bye that catch the fish

And take them home to Liza.

I don’t want you maggoty fish

For they’re no good for winter

I can catch them just as good

Down in Bonavista.

Yes bye, some shocking my son -  I’m Joey Smallwood because I says so.

I jigs for cod on Trinity Bay; I take a bottle of Screech to the squid jigging grounds; I fills me pail when the capelin runs; and when I wants some mutton I steals Aunt Martha’s sheep.

When I’m hungry I want me fish and brewis, or boiled salt cod with scrunchins.   

My mates and I drink India and Blue Star beer from the Newfoundland brewery

 and I do the Newfy stomp when the fiddle and accordion play.

  

Yes Skipper, I know the songs, I eat the food, I drink the rum and beer: I am a Newfoundlander.   I’m Joey Ol’Buzzard Smallwood –  because I says so.