We+Are+More

== ** Assignment: Describe what the poem means to you. Discuss the use of metaphor to create analogies in the mind of the listener. How does the impact of this poem change when you hear it as apposed to reading it? Use specific examples from the text. **==

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This extravagant, and elaborate poem spoken by Shane Koyczan describes Canada by using many literary devices while describing how peaceful, and friendly we are to the other countries. For example, "...some say what defines us Is something as simple as 'please' and 'thank you' and as for 'you're welcome', well, we say that, too". This poem describes Canada's top athletes, such as Wayne Gretzky. These top athletes encourage many youngsters to play, and enjoy many pleasant, and jolly sports. Because of legendary, and illustrious role models such as Wayne Gretzky (The Great One), that I am motivated, and energized to watch ice hockey, and have fun playing many extreme, and draconian sports. The poem creates analogies in the mind of the listener by using metaphors, which uses important things that happened in Canadian history, and everything around our environment. I think this was a great idea because most Canadians learned about Canada's past through Social Studies in high school. An example of a metaphor in the story is "We are the brightness of Chinatown...", which shows that there are Chinatowns throughout Canada because the Chinese were involved in Canadian history. "We are the brightness of Chinatown..." means that we have the bright, and stunning colors (red) of Chinatown. The impact of the poem changes when you hear as apposed to reading it from Shane Koyzcan changing his voice throughout the poem when you are hearing it. Watching the poet read out his spectacular poem is also a big impact. When listening to Shane Koyzcan speak, he seems very passionate, and proud of his nationality. This legendary poem heard around the world, "We are More" will help Canada keep peace with other countries reminding them of our lovely country, and our wonderful uses of literary devices in our poetry. ======

**VANCOUVER, B.C. - A transcript of Shane Koyczan's poem, "We Are More," as delivered during the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Olympic Games:**
1."Define Canada You might say the home of the Rocket Or The Great One Who inspired little No. 9s and little No. 99s

2. But we're more than just hockey and fishing lines Off of the rocky coast of the Maritimes

3. And some say what defines us Is something as simple as 'please' and 'thank you' And as for 'you're welcome,' well, we say that, too

4. But we are more than genteel or civilized

5. We are an idea in the process of being realized

6. We are young, we are cultures strung together then woven into a tapestry And the design is what makes us more than the sum totals of our history

7. We are an experiment going right for a change With influences that range from A to Zed And yes, we say 'Zed' instead of 'Zee'

8. We are the brightness of Chinatown and the laughter of Little Italy

9. We dream so big that there are those Who would call our ambition an industry Because we are vineyards of good year after good year We reforest what we clear

10. Because we believe in generations beyond our own Knowing now that so many of us Have grown past what we used to be We can stand here today Filled with all the hope people have When they say things like 'someday'

11.Because we are more Than a laundry list of things to do and places to see

12. More than hills to ski Or countryside ponds to skate

13. We are the abandoned hesitation of all those who can't wait

14. We are first-rate greasy spoon diners and healthy living cafes

15. A country that is all the ways you choose to live A nation that can give you variety Because we are choices We are millions upon millions of voices Shouting, keep exploring We are more

16. We are the surprise the world has in store for you, it's true Canada is the 'what' in 'what's new'

17. So don't let your luggage define your travels Each life unravels differently And experiences are what make up The colours of our tapestry

18. We are the true North Strong and free

19. And what's more Is that we didn't just say it We made it be"