New Westminster Poetry

For the Children, by the Children
by Edna Anderson

There was no day quite like May Day,
For a little girl at school,
It was the biggest celebration
According to the rules
That gave the children access
To the City's treasured best,
Where the City could build on heritage,
Uniting the present, with the past.

From the firing of the cannon,
Before the school day's start,
To announce the celebration
Where we could all take part,
The loud booming of the cannon
Gave rise to lusty cheers!
We listened for the firing
To allay all anxious fears.

On May, the 7th, 1870,
The first May Day was held
Right beside the Governor's mansion
Where there was an open field;
They crowned a lovely May Queen
Whose name was Nellie McColl,
Children danced around the Maypole
and there was fun for all.

A century and a quarter,
Unto the present day
When we'll crown a Royal Lady
To be Queen of the May,
We've kept tradition going
Longer than all around,
For the children, by the children,
Of which -- the children can be proud!

My Name is Fraser
By Edna Anderson

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