2018-05-28
A few evenings ago, I was enjoying a relaxing evening at the local rec center. They have a steam room there with the most melodically-resonant beige tile you've ever seen. It's been a spiritual practice of mine to sing, hum, and fill the space with music because to bathe in harmony is one of life's simple pleasures.
A gentleman walked in after a few minutes of solo buzzing below the bass clef. He brought up that I was likely a singer and asked for my perspective on something he was curious about over the past little while. It only caught me by surprise because it hadn't ever been something I questioned. More specifically, the revisions and review to the lyrics to O Canada.
He was a man of tradition, of principle, and there was no doubt about it. His demeanor and accent led me to theorize he was in his mid-to-late seventies and from Scottish roots. With every word, his rugged speculations were direct hits to my inner core. If only everyone were so bold as to speak and striving to be heard this way.
It wasn't the "all of us command" with which he took issue either. In the coming minutes, I recognized his mutterings to be those of a fellow devout feminist - good. I suppose it's hard not to be if you've ever tried winning an argument with a powerhouse goddess of the Highlands.
It was with God he felt he didn't wish to share an anthem. I gave him some time to decompress as the room grew dimmer with steam. I suppose it was my singing in such a public place that led him to believe I'd have an equally-loud opinion on such a topic.
And I do. In reply, I said that "it's not about what compels you to stand on guard or to make our land glorious and free. Instead, it's about making the effort and finding your own way to being a significant part of the process." I told him that I surreptitiously often substitute Love for God in the lyrics. I do this because it's my interpretation and what works best for my spiritual identity.
But love is only one way to pay respect to this country's values and honour. There are many, each of which has divinity all its own. With little more than an affirming grunt and nod, he peeled himself out of his humid seat and went on his elderly way. As the foggy door swung open, he paused. He thanked me and wished me a pleasant evening. I returned the sentiment.
Canada's peoples are a diverse and beautiful mosaic of tiles. It isn't about who or what ideal makes us all resonate. Rather, it's that we always strive to be doing it together and as one.