Decision: 1990’s Alberta


Annie made her decision;
I made mine, walking the line, in Alberta.
Even though Ralph Klein made his decision,
we made ours,
knowing he was out of sync at the time.

How was Annie to know a 50/50 chance meant
in the 1990’s she’d be on permanent disability
and a cut to her welfare cheque by 50 percent?

According to legislation, the doctors, the news
there is always a “politically correct” argument
about decisions which don’t make much sense.
When it comes to Government,
how were we to know?
The fact is, we didn't.

Faith is something one can't explain.
Doctors don't know everything.
God doesn’t guarantee a thing.
Government is just;
is just pretence!

Knowing all this we made our decision
even if it didn't include THEM!

When we meet in the line-ups
for food, for health, for jobs;
we try to smile at the lawmen who say,
"It's good here in the O. K. Corral."
We just try to keep on moving,
to keep warm,
to find some shelter inside the storm.

Where is Jim Morrison or Jesse James
when you need them?
That's how bad it gets,
when you resort to your imagination to save you,
as they’re closing hospitals, schools and jails;

you find yourself in a province,
where even the evil
haven't the guts,
to be Gunslingers for the people.


Web Design by Douglas Elves. Water reflection photograph by Linda Jennings.
Alison Owen Nicholls
Biography icon
Alison joined the Stroll of Poets' Society in 1992. She has published two collections of poems, "I Can Say I Knew You", and "The Versified Tarot"; a second edition of the latter with illustrations is planned.

In 2001, two of her poems were published in a limited edition, coffee-table book, of twelve art-pieces and twelve poems, "Imaging Time".

A 3rd chapbook collection of poems is also in the works.


POEMS
Poet See Thy Fate
Prehistoric Swamp
For all the Christian Riders
Gargoyles on the House of Stairs
Mayne Island Gift Shop: A Spirit Guide
Global Warning: I
Aurora Borealis
Decision: 1990’s Alberta
The Room
A Poet’s Ally
Jerry Garcia: the Dove, the Hawk and Blue Dragonfly
1963: Grade Five Friend
Thoughts to a Mystery