Behold
the portage in all its splendour:
Boulder-strewn path, overgrown and soggy;
The longer the better; how
our hearts soar.
O Portage! We can't help but love thee.
From lake to
lake you allow us to roam:
O'er ridges and valleys, fields and woodlands;
You
lead us gently 'round rapids, t'ward home.
O Portage! Our loyalty you
command.
You test our mettle, and fill us with pride:
Five thousand
metres our feet did ascend;
We dragged our canoe up that rugged hillside.
O
Portage! Your honour we will defend.
What folly is this? I must be insane,
Or
else, I've done too much portaging today!
© Margaret A. Black (nee Kean) 1997
