1997 James McIntyre Poetry Contest Winners

Junior Kindergarten to Grade 3
First Prize

Ingersoll
By Brittany Gibbons

The Ingersoll Arena is fun in every way.
The Ingersoll Library is where you can read scary books
But I never get scared.
I like the Cami gym.
You can run and have fun.

Junior kindergarten to Grade 3
Second Prize

Cheese
By Joey C.

C is for Cow.
H is for Holes.
E is for Excellent.
E is for Eat.
S is for Smooth.
E is for Everybody.


Grades 4 - 6
First Prize

There Was a Man Named Thomas Ingersoll
By Matt Moskal

There was a man named Thomas Ingersoll
He found an area in the Fall.
He thought it was grand
It was a new land
Our town of Ingersoll.

Grades 4 - 6
Second Prize

Cheese
By Travis Peterson

One day I found some cheese
I thought it was my keys
So I tried to start my car
Then it melted into tar.

Grades 7 -8
First prize

Little Lamb
By Aimee Sherman

The little lamb, cuddly and sweet,
Newborn stands on wobbly feet,
And oops, he falls.
His mother comes to his beckoning calls.
She sniffs him and nuzzles him,
With tender loving care,
To let him know she's always there.
The little lamb, cuddly and sweet,
Lies beside his mama
And falls fast asleep.

Grade 9 to adult - Limerick
First Prize

Gone A-Whey
By Shirley Lovell

Our town was quite famous they say
For making the curds and the whey
But the factories closed down
And there's none left aroun'
'Cause all of the cows MOO-ved away

Grade 9 to adult - limerick
Second prize

Ingersoll Has Its Fair Share
By Lois Bradfield

Ingersoll has its fair share
Of people who really do care.
If you have a real need
"Help Out!" is our creed;
Your troubles we'll help you to bear.

Grade 9 to adult - limerick
Third prize

There Once Was a Quaint Little Town
By Janice M. McDonald

There once was a quaint little town
Whose cheeses were of great renown
Folks came from afar
To buy brick or jar
And smile as each morsel went down.

Grade 9 to adult - rhyming verse
First prize

September
By Tom Lamb

Confetti covers up the lawn
A fashion show in Fall,
Applause and shouts, they fill the air,
The crowd soon fills the hall.

From blonde of ash, to maples red,
To acorn laden oak,
As summer clothes get put away,
And don this vibrant cloak.

Each morning dew, applied just right,
As nature puts on cream,
And fills the pores that have dried out,
Soon will be time to dream.

The lights grow dim, for one more day,
New frocks must be prepared.
To greet the morning and the sun,
The models don't seem scared.

And when just mannequins remain.
The clothes all blown away.
And summer's warmth is gone this year.
Kids in the leaves will play.

This fashion show it comes each year.
Unveil designs so new.
Will meet the critics and the press.
Explode this lovely view.

And as you walk the streets today,
This haute couture surrounds.
Just feel the breeze, inhale the smells,
See the beauty that abounds.

Grade 9 to adult - rhyming verse
Second prize

Cheese - Don't Go Home Without It
By Shirley Lovell

Some folks like cheese with macaroni.
While others eat it with bologne.
Pizza topped with cheese is neat.
And cheese cake is a tasty treat.
A special cheese must go with wine.
When you perchance go out to dine.
Squeaky curd is sure to please.
And what's fondue without the cheese?
Cheese with apple pie is nice,
Delicious too just as a slice.
It's good for you because it's from
The cheese we get our calcium.
But best of all it's great, old chap,
To lure a mouse into a trap.

Grade 9 to adult - rhyming verse
Third prize

Ingersoll My Home of Rest
By Jurrien Sissing

Ingersoll my home of rest,
For here it is I feel my best.
The wonderful things and sights I see,
Makes me sing so joyfully.
Of home and family and good friends,
Of quiet walks that have no ends.
Of our homes that are so dear,
Of stores and shops that are so near.
With the library tall and filled with books,
The computers and Internet with interest I look.
The ElmHurst and Clog, a diner's delight,
And hotels and motels, a place to stay the night.
So come to Ingersoll, our home of rest,
For here it is you'll feel your best.

Grade 9 to adult - rhyming verse
Honourable mention

Comatose Darkness
By Debbie Terluin

A hazy vision of afterlife, a brightness warms within.
Life is filled with pain and strife, love and family are akin.
Your eyes, once mirrors of the soul, are now vacant, lifeless glass.
Your being has one further choice, to remain or just to pass.
Cocooned within your memory, are life and love before.
A most remembered history, behind a now locked door.
Each night I shed a sea of tears, for what I can't replace.
A word of comfort when I'm low, an ever smiling face.
In silent times I feel you near, a strength that helps me through.
How can my life continue, without a sign of life from you.
I pray to hear your laughter, I long to hear your speech.
I hope my prayers may follow you, to this state beyond my reach.
My helplessness brings constant pain, your lifelessness brings more tears.
I need to believe you'll return to me, I must deny my deepest fears.
I'll stay forever by your side, our spirits now soar as one.
Your essence will remain on earth, until your journey here is done.

Grade 9 to adult - rhyming verse
Honourable mention

In the Seventies
By Janice M. McDonald

In the '70's - well let me see
(I scarce recall so young was me)-
My Dad decided one Fall day
That cheddar he would hew away.
Not wood, you know, though that's the norm
But cheese the thing to show the form.

Gord Henry was the man who asked
Bob Christie (Dad) to do the task.
A sample first, a cow, he tried
A beaut though merely inches wide.
'Twas celebrated here in press
And picture, too - with me, no less.

The next cheese was huge, 'bout 90 lbs.
Before the cheese chips hit the ground.
Dad carved and shaved those pounds to form
Heedless of sun, snow or storm.
     I'd tell you what, that does make sense,
     But I like to keep folks in suspense.

A coating of wax was then applied
For shipping to the west, in pride.
The mayor of Edmonton did receive
For a cheese co. bonspiel, I believe.
     Okay, okay, I'll tell you now:
     A curling stone! Quite neat, I vow!

You may wonder what's my goal
In telling you this tale of ol'.
To celebrate my Dad? Part right!
But I was hoping to see the light.
     Cheese from a cow? Cow from cheese?
     Can anyone out there help me, please?!


Grade 9 to adult - free verse
First prize

Cathedral Grove
By Lorene (Lori) Munro Pearson

Far away, in woodland deep,
Canada's ancient rain forest will keep
The miracle of growth and Time Eternal.
Treading softly, pausing, gazing heaven-ward
The Cathedral vernal canopy of towering trees surround me
Feeling the silence - Nature's reprieve of the soul,
Marvelling at beauty in all its grandeur.
A sense of awe surges over my being
As I contemplate the wonder of Life
This Titan of the Grove
Felled by a shaft of lightning, lies at my feet
No human hand has destroyed it,
No human had has touched it,
Centuries of time, circles of age years depicted
With neither beginning nor end.
It has succumbed to the friendly environment
To be the nurturing nurse log.
Destined by destiny
To be the Phoenix, emblem of immortality
For new growth, from decay, will rise and triumph once again
To feed souls who pass within.
The Cathedral Grove, friend of Earth and Mankind
Shall preserve the ageless beauty of Time and Vernal growth forever more.

Grade 9 to adult - free verse
Second prize

The Dance of the Waters
By Lynn Anderson

Majestic pines
Wobble across
Your palette,
Seemingly unreal
In their upside-downess.

Fish that dance
Within
And whirligigs
That skim across
Your pristine complexion.

Loons crooning
Their own melody,
Paddle 'cross
Your face.

Marshmallow clouds,
Their image mirrored
As they drift
Across
An azure sky.

A fantasy created
Only
Within your realm.

Grade 9 to adult - free verse
Third prize

Before Ingersoll's Industrial Park
By Janice M. McDonald

Before Ingersoll's Industrial Park
And the Ingersoll Road plants
I was a child, living and growing,
Running free in nearby fields:
Acres of grass, weeds and hills,
Amazing wildlife and natural wonders,
Ample space to run and play-
Catch, tag, hide and go seek.
Freedom of spirit, far beyond price.

Then came progress:
The skating pond became Towerview
Wadsworth was followed by Witty
Factories sprouted on Ingersoll Road fields
Childhood habitat disappeared so quickly
Leaving Less Space, Less Freedom.
And yet, the edge of change was blunted by maturing youth;
Fields of grass losing their appeal while
Interests developed more adult flavour.

Still, bodies were strong, lungs clean, minds bright
Thanks to years in open fields
Running
Free.

Grade 9 to adult - free verse
Honourable mention

Welcome to Our Family Benjamin
By Betty Shelley

To have a child is a special joy.
How absolutely wonderful! A baby boy!
"BENJAMIN" is a Biblical name meaning, "son of my right hand"
And how fortunate to be born in Canada, "our home and native land"
"RICHARD" means powerful and wealthy,
And we are so grateful to God that you are healthy.
As the Lord promised in Isaiah, He has carved you on His palm,
He will not forget you - you will be safe, and calm.
We know Benjamin you have a great Mom and Dad,
And to our whole family you will truly add.
We are looking forward to lots of fun.
It's exciting to have a grandson!!
Carolyn and Rick, your example will be Benjamin's guide.
And we won't hesitate to show our love and pride....
Along with Aunt Lisa and Uncle Taber... Benjamin would you like a glider ride?
With raising children it is only natural to sometimes feel unsure.
But, today, it is so easy to procure.
Literature about children - on the internet or even in a brochure!
There will be many experiences which will be new.
Sometimes, Mom and Dad, you may wonder what to do.
But we have complete confidence in both of you.
Later, Benjamin you may want to follow the latest fad,
Or, add all kinds of collections to your pad,
We'll all have fun, and encourage you dear lad.
It will be a thrill to share our years with you Benjamin,
You are a very important part of our kin,
"We are extremely proud of all of you,
And we are very thankful to be your grandparents, too."
This poem may not be very well done,
But, it is from the love in Grandma's heart - precious grandson-
For the future we wish everyone - "all the best!"
We love each one of you, and may God richly bless.

Most like James McIntyre
Tie for first

Old Ways And New Days
By Jeff Stover

I've been accused, and my friends so amused,
They tell me I live in the Past.
I yearn for the days of the Old-fashioned ways,
When things were constructed to last.

Taking time and the care, as if it were theirs
To be perfect 'cause it carried their name.
You now have to buy a warranty and eye
The fine print, to find who's to blame.

When I was small, it was good times for all,
Everyone then had employment.
Graduates got hired, at the job they desired
But I was too young to enjoy it.

When I was a lad, I would ask my dad
For toys that were fun after school.
But that's no longer the case, for it would be a disgrace
To be seen with a toy that's not cool.

You could open the door, and walk into the store,
The owner would smile, and call you by name.
But when that clerk's on the phone, and you're feeling alone,
In a barred fortress, it's just not the same.

Long gone are the times when your chrome bumpers shined,
And in the car your seven friends sat.
Your car was full grown, AIDS was unknown,
And a car-jack was the cure for a flat.

The attendant cleaned your glass, while the other pumped in gas,
They are now so few and far between.
Now, the clerk reads a book, while I bend down to look
Through the hole in the bullet-proof screen.

Music was art, and songs filled the charts
With harmonies and lyrics with meaning.
But the companies have made an endless parade
Of clones, so shallow and unfeeling.

There once was a time when a buddy of mine
Said you'd go far with a degree.
But Lo and Behold, when it's all said and told,
These guys are working beside me.

Service charges are many, there hardly was any
In the banks where the tellers once stood.
They now charge you green to use the machine
That replaced these good people for good.

A handshake alone, meant it's written in stone
Much different than contracts today.
Every day in the news, millionaires use
The sports page to cry for more pay.

I've had enough of the garbage and stuff
That now infests our T.V.
It's tabloid news with childish views,
Who needs their gossip? Not me!

I feel bad, so sorry and sad
When my kids look at their toy train.
It has a caboose, but they're no longer in use,
And they ask me if I would explain.

Computers are fine, but they boggle the minds
Of those of us who are a novice.
Those who can, come home stressed, so then
They don't ease our life like they had promised.

So I remember the days when the cattle would graze
And that subdivision once was a farm.
In the pond there were frogs, and bytes were from dogs
And Websites were found in the barn.

You can't anymore, just walk out the door
Without spreading yourself with lotion.
The summers are hot, but believe it or not,
It's too dirty to swim in the ocean.

We're spending billions on mars, and watching the stars
While people here die of diseases.
We're hacking down trees and polluting the seas,
While the ozone is floating in pieces.

It's a lot better now, than it was anyhow,
People's feelings of race, creed and gender.
But it's unfortunate, for sure, that we're forced to endure
The criminals they call young offenders.

If the coffee's too strong, or someone looks at you wrong,
You now get a lawyer, for some quick legal tender.
But if you're a victim of crime, you'll have a hard time,
'Cause you'll feel like you're the defender.

Hospitals close, and everyone knows
It's short-sighted, but what can we do?
The government's elected, we've already selected,
So they don't have to listen to you.

These government mansions, their lucrative pensions
The buildings with all their great looks.
They're doing fine, we pay for their wine,
While our schools can't afford any books.

So don't come to me, and say it's progress, you see
With everything new lumped together.
"So it's new!" I holler, "but it's just for the dollar!"
It's only progress when done for the better.

In the days of old, you could die from a cold,
And wars claimed men from the 'hood.
But in Changing those days, with our technical ways,
Why didn't we keep what was good?

Most like James McIntyre
Tie for first

Monster in the Pond
(May 24, 1857)
By Margaret Wilson

Reporters and the curious had come from near and far,
They had travelled by coach and railway car.

This was to be an eventful day in Ingersoll's history
As plans had been made to publicly reveal a bewildering mystery.

Dignitaries were cheered loudly and were given a hand
As they arrived at the park behind the brass band.

The townsfolk, too, had assembled on the banks of the old mill creek
And a hushed silence fell as the mayor stepped up to the podium to speak.

Clearing his throat so he could talk real loud,
He graciously welcomed the excited crowd.

He said for weeks now the town had been troubled
By strange sights and sounds and water that bubbled.

Reputable folk had sighted a monster in the pond by Smith's grist mill.
All said it was horned and hairy and gave them a chill.

"Today," said the mayor, "will be a momentous and historical date."
Then with a flourish, he ceremoniously released the heavy flood gate.

The plan was to quickly lower the water level
To reveal to the crowd the horrendous pond devil.

As the water ebbed and bubbles began to appear
Suspense grew as folk were filled with anticipation and fear.

A few brave souls armed with sticks and a rope
Waded towards the creature with bravado and hope.

They lassoed the monster and towed it to shore,
As the crowd went wild with a tumultuous roar.

Much to the mayor's embarrassment and intense shame
The town had been the butt of a prankster's game.

Straw and grain had been stuffed into a hide
Then onto this form, horns had been tied.

The man-made creature, nothing but rubble
Submerged in the pond, began to ferment and bubble.

And impulsive wag merely intended to play a joke
On friends and family and neighbour folk.

But the local press had gotten into the act
And printed the story as if it were fact.

As interest grew from home and away
The mayor declared a discovery day.

He invited reporters and bigwigs from distant places
Planned a big parade and picnic and children's races.

When the visitors realised the monster was a hoax
Some were angry and said they despised such jokes.

The reporter from Boston sputtered he knew what he would do.
He would hire a lawyer and our town he would sue.

Fortunately, the train back to Boston didn't leave till late
So the mayor took the reporter to the inn to wait.

He plied the man with food and wine
As the Bostonian staggered to the station, he vowed he was fine.

The town never heard from Boston again
And any reference to the pond monster was dismissed with disdain.

Cheese poet laureate

Just In Time
By Shirley Lovell

Laura Secord was the daughter
Of our fair town's founding father.
A brave young lady at her prime
Became a heroine in her time.
The War of 1812 still raged.
The British had the foe engaged.
She overheard the enemy boast
"Surprise those British, make them toast!"
They must be warned, no time to waste!
She dropped her work and left in haste.
She took the cow. She took the pail.
She probably took a little ale.
Off they trekked, the two together,
Sometimes braving stormy weather.
They hurried through the underbrush,
While still appearing not to rush
Past the enemy where they lie,
Waved a hand and said good-bye.
On they struggled through the night.
An Indian band came into sight,
Who showed her to FitzGibbon's camp.
At last she made it, chilled and damp.
She warned him of the dreaded plot,
In which the British would be shot,
So he, a very skilful man,
Could formulate a counter plan.
They greatly thanked their tired guest,
Gave her food and gave her rest.
Wile poor cow heaved a sigh sublime,
"Thanks be! It's finally milking time."

Special category
"Just like Ingersoll in the 40's and 50's"

Ingersoll
By the late Gwen Buchanan
(submitted by Shelley Crandall)

Ingersoll's the town of cheeses.
Hockey sticks and caskets fare.
Fertilizers, schools a plenty.
Lawyers and doctors for your care.

Paper boxes, golf and snack bars.
Restaurants with lots to eat.
A swimming pool for cooling off in.
A respite from the summer heat.

The Ingersoll Machine and Morrows
Employ six hundred men.
Stores for books, for drugs and groceries.
On Fridays open until ten.

Shelby's Knit makes lots of sweaters
Flecks and diamonds in pastel.
Bordens takes the milk from farmers
Sixty men are there as well.

The Hospital was built just lately.
One of which to be real proud.
In the summer there are ball games
There the fans shout long and loud.

Furniture stores and firehall.
Nursing homes with loving care.
Chemical, lime and Stainburgs also.
Sure! Ingersoll's beyond compare.

Then there is the new Arena.
And there's silo's too you know.
Chamber of Commerce here to guide you.
And the Horticulture Show.

The Ingersoll Cleaners have a slogan
"We do our work right here in town."
The service stations and garages
Have any car you'd like to own.

Now MidState is our newest factory
Mobile homes are built and sold.
A home on wheels is what we call them
Truly something to behold.

There are churches for our people.
Boarding homes and banks for all.
We invite you come settle
In our town of Ingersoll.