The Man From Newfoundland

After I wrote my recent article on the derogatory use of the word “Newfie” I received an email from a young lady in Ontario named Valeri. This lady hadn’t yet read the piece but instead had read a commentary of mine written shortly after the Newfoundland and Labrador rink captured their gold medal in Turin. She wanted me to know that she had been touched deeply by the piece and also wanted to share something very special. Considering my previous article, her timing couldn't have been better. I was so touched by her story that I in turn wanted to share it with all of you.

Here is what Valerie had to say:

Today I was sent an email with a copy of your article, "Curling Gold And National Pride in Newfoundland and Labrador", by my favorite Co-worker who happens to have been born and raised in Newfoundland. I really enjoyed the article, found it very informative and just had to share something with you.

My father, God rest his soul, immigrated to Canada from Northern Ireland and settled in Toronto, Ontario years ago. He worked as an electrician at Canada Packers and he always saw the good in people. He was also very good at putting in to words how he felt.

My father was not a professional poet but loved to write poetry. Many years ago he wrote a poem titled "The Man From Newfoundland”.

Back in 1990 he sent a copy of his poem to the Downhomer who published it in December of that year. This is what he said in the note he attached to the poem:

Dear Sir,

I wrote the enclosed poem a few years ago, after hearing some of the negative jokes about the people of Newfoundland. I hope this poem will put Newfoundlanders on that special plateau, which is reserved for hard-working, fun-loving people like themselves.

I am originally from Ireland and I have noticed a striking similarity between the Irish and the people from Newfoundland.

Yours Sincerely,
Les Martin,
Willowdale, Ontario

As I mentioned, he was a very special man who always found the good in everybody and always looked on the bright side of life. I am constantly inspired by his wisdom as I go through life and I am sure many others were as well. Thank you for taking the time to read my note and the poem about the wonderful people from Newfoundland. Thank-you also for offering to share it with your readers, I would love that. I am sure my father would be pleased!

Whenever I am having a bad day, I pull out the poem, read it and become transported away from what was bothering me for a short while. Dad would have been very happy to know that he has touched others even after his passing. I hope you enjoy the poem as much as my friends from Newfoundland have.

Every time I read it, it brings back the beautiful memories that I have of my father.

Sincerely,
Valerie


Thank-you Valerie, I’m sure our readers will enjoy it very much as well.

Myles

The Man From Newfoundland
By Les Martin
Dec 18, 1931- March 19, 1999

You will meet him as you go through life
And he’ll always shake your hand
You can count, when you’re in trouble
On the man from Newfoundland

When some folks talk about him
Telling jokes which aren’t too grand
You can tell that they are jealous
Of the man from Newfoundland

From St. John’s to the Grand Banks
And all through this great land
You’ll never find another
Like the man from Newfoundland

He’ll invite you in and treat you well
And when you drink his brand
He’ll tell you all the stories
Of good old Newfoundland

In Corner Brook or Marystown
When you’re dancing to a band
Just listen to the fiddler
He’s the man from Newfoundland

Perhaps some day you’ll meet him
Then you will understand
Why he makes the world a better place
The man from Newfoundland