Readers Note-The Pas (a small village in Manitoba) is phonetically pronounced The Paw

There are strange things viewed by those who canoed, us- the people who paddle for PACT.

On the river shores, pelicans by the scores and beavers sure were not lacked.

Weird things eyed and weird things spied, but the weirdest we ever did see

Was when paddled along the North Saskatchewan and I liberated NSG.

Now NSG, we first did see, from afar amongst branch and stone.

It was large in size and soon we’d realize it was a vessel much like our own.

To no surprise and the boat had capsized, held prisoner by logs, sticks and muck.

We paddled beside and from our boat we tried, but the poor old canoe it was stuck.

No rescue I guess, this caused me great stress. We would have to leave it here.

But the pirate in me would not let this be, this ship we must commandeer.

So into the blue, an in water rescue and I gathered up all my might.

And with a great deal, pop went the seal and the canoe- it turned up right.

A missing yolk and some seats that were broke and it was filthy through and through.

But with a little repair and some tender love and care, this boat could look brand new.

So later that night at our new campsite, with brush and soap in hand.

I scrubbed and I scrubbed and I gave her some love removing the dirt and the sand.

The canoe turned to white, now shiny and bright and to my surprise I did see

Some way, some how, both sides of the bow- a decal marked NSG.

I’ve never owned a canoe, could this be true, a boat for who I am?

Oh how great! A twist of fate! The sticker meant Now Scott Graham’s.

But a sad realization, causing frustration, my dream to be untrue.

More than half the route to go, it would be too slow portaging another canoe.

So we towed it behind with an idea in mind, if not for me then instead

Supporting our cause, when we get the The Pas, it could be used for outdoor ed.

We asked around but no one in town seemed to know surprisingly

Where a found canoe could be donated to, so we went to the RCMP.

We told them our tale, but to no avail, it turned into no help at all.

Instead of enjoyed, it soon would be destroyed as a federal protocol.

I pleaded “Sir no! Can’t we find it a home? There must be something to do.”

Was there something I missed, “don’t police auctions exist?” And he said “no son that’s not true”

NSG was towed away by a truck- CAA, as we parted we said our goodbyes.

I waved to my ship with a quivering lip and rivers of tears in my eyes.

There are strange things viewed by those who canoed, us- the people who paddle for PACT.

On the river shores, pelicans by the scores and beavers sure were not lacked.

And in the end, it’s true my friend- a hint of irony.

NGS’s liberation means probable cremation. I should have just let it be.