February 05, 2013

A Grateful Look, in Halting Rhyme, At Winnipeg in Fifty-Nine

 Standing here with eager feet
Where Fifty-Nine and Sixty meet,
We contemplate with purest pleasure
The past months’ overflowing measure
Of Blessings that came showering down
On You, on Us, on all the Town.

A Happy Backward look we throw
At the Royal Visit, not long ago,
And the Royal Couple, who made their way
Through Winnipeg, that Summer day.
We ask them now, as we asked them then…
…”Will ye no’ come back again?”

Looking around we raise our eyes
To a notable change in Winnipeg skies.
Not Sputniks, Muttniks, or missiles in space –
But a Building Boom that’s changing the place.
Just look around and what do you find?
Winnipeg’s getting a new skyline!

To the Great West Life a hearty salute,
A loud Hurrah, and a Rooty-Toot.
Likewise we’re happy to applaud
The Provincial Building, next the “Aud”…
And motorists are greatful daily,
For our new bridge, the Disraeli.

Hotels, motels, apartment blocks,
New buildings rise where’er we walk.
The U. of M. grows on a pace,
At Polo Park no horses race.
While over all, one Vision gleaming,
Of a Downtown Plaza we are dreaming!

In this year that’s nearly done
There was fun for everyone…
So much fun at the Red River Ex
We’ll see you all at the next.
The Bombers proved they were the best
And kept the Grey Cup in the West!

Success came to the Rainbow Stage,
Aunt Sally’s Farm pleased every age.
Crowds were at the Symphony,
Art Galley, Ballet and M.T.C….
(But the thing that’s caused the greatest talk
Was whether to WAIT or whether to WALK!)

And here’s to the loveliest gift of all,
The Winnipeg design for our City Hall.
Congratulations in all this bustle
To Messrs. Green, Blankstein and Russell!
The job is ready, now let’s do it.
(We only hope we live to view it!)

In counting Blessings each year-end
Our very warmest thanks we send,
To all who work at EATON’s here,
Friends and fellow-workers dear.
Next, our customers, may we never part –
All are dear to our grateful heart.

May you always count us a Blessing, too –
Our constant aim is serving you!

EATON’S