Avison says, “I am Canadian.”

During a past lecture, Dr. Ogden spoke about Margaret Avison in great detail. He said that as a Canadian poet, her love for Canada is evident in her poetry. He also explained that Avison sees Canada as a country with beautiful landscape and weather.

At one time in Avison’s life, Dr. Ogden said that she had a huge personal crisis and that “being Canadian changed everything.” It was the passion and love for nature that caused Avison to embrace Canada’s landscape. During difficult times, Avison would wander off and observe the simplistic beauty of a lake while soaking in the peace and calmness of the nature around her. Perhaps this is how Avison dealt with the stresses of life.

Personally, I admire Avison for her thoughtful reflections on Canada’s landscape because as Canadians we may take it for granted at times. I think that just like Avison, it is important for us to take time and to enjoy what we have. By doing so, not only will we gain inner peace but we will also learn to cherish and appreciate how fortunate we are to live in Canada as Canadians.