The following poem was authored by my grandmother. I have a photocopy of a newspaper clipping which shows that it was indeed published, but the date of publication isn't stated on the photocopy (nor is the name of the newspaper, although I believe it to be The Clarenville Packet).

The Pioneers of Newfoundland

While some may talk of latest styles
And praise the work of modern days
I think I'll say a word or two
About the good old fashioned ways.

I do not mean to criticise
The skill of modern age you know
But I love to think of good old times
Of nearly sixty years ago.

I often wonder when I see
Some new invention brought to light
Just how folks managed when such things
Were hidden far beyond their sight.

In fancy's vision I recall
And live again the years that are passed
Enjoy those happy hours again
And catch a glimpse of things that last.

The house though of ancient style
Served as a home to one and all
With floors well-covered o'er with mats
And pictures hung upon the wall.

No new industries helped to keep
The hungry wolf from every door
The only means of livelihood
Was fishing on the Labrador.

And so it was that early Spring
Found men engaged both night and day
Preparing for the summers voyage
And very soon must sail away.

When each his final task had done
And readiness was all complete
The sails were set and once again
They faced the dangers of the deep.

While wives and mothers on the shore
Watched out while eyes with tears were dim
The crowd on board with one achord
Joined in the singing of a hymn.

The women to their homes returned
With loved ones passed beyond their view
And bravely undertook their tasks
With courage that was strong and true.

Their task was not an easy one
To rise each morning at the dawn
For they must play the role of men
All through the months while they were gone.

With willing hands without complaint
They toiled each day and murmured not
And in their humble, modest way
Were quite contented with their lot.

No radio then to listen to
No messages from ship to shore
With anxious hearts they had to wait
The mailboat up from Labrador.

They shared each others' company
And proved the strength of friendship true
Laid down their work at eventide
And greeted every morning new.

Content to bear their lonely lot
In brighter Sunshire, Cloud or Rain
And wait until in God's good time
Their loved ones would return again.

Such noble courage as was theirs
Can never quite forgotten be
And memories of those simple folk
Will linger through eternity.

In simple language I have wrote
And hope that all will understand
And still remember those that were
The Pioneers of Newfoundland.

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Last Modified: Friday, 06-Aug-2010 11:41:18 NDT