There was a time in the United States when Donald Trump did not  run

Didn’t know anything about his daughters or his sons

Long before this man had attained any appeal

Way before he published the art of the deal

Now he is back and has no bounds

Who thought it could be worse the second time around?

He wants to rename the “Gulf Of Mexico” and that’s not all

There’s talk of him wanting to continue his border wall

He started in January and isn’t even spring

Dealing with new tariffs seems to be his latest thing

His dedicated followers still believe everything he has to say

Not realizing how much money that they will have to pay

He looked north to “Canada” and this is what he sees

The fifty first state is what he wants it to be

Calling “Trudeau” the “Governor” of this land

How he got re-elected I will never understand

Some things aren’t going as planned

Is he still talking about purchasing “Greenland”?

Getting “Musk” to fire workers by email

Even his orange complexion is starting to pale

Are the tariffs coming? Yes or No?

Just make up your mind, we want to know

I know you don’t know the details

How do you decide is it just heads or tails?

There is something you should know

You’re decision making is a little slow

This has happened two months in a row

There is something that you aren’t realizin’

Us “Canadians” aren’t going to let you have your way

Turns out you may have to adjust your bookkeeping

Looks like your country will have to pay

How can you treat your neighbours this way?

This is the tip of the iceberg, we aren’t done

Clearing our shelves of “Kentucky” whiskey

We as a nation are united as one

How can you treat your neighbours this way?

This is the tip of the iceberg, we aren’t done

Elbows up, pull up your britches

We as a nation are united as one

We are “Canadians” we don’t usually complain

“Donald Trump” you are a royal pain

We can’t sit back and let you have your way

It’s not just us that will have to pay

“Ontario” shutting electric power down

Coming soon to one of your cities or towns

It’s going to cost your “truckers” a little more bread

Toll fees for truckers going to Alaska is coming instead

We are just at the bottom rung

We aren’t close to being done

Are you beginning to understand?

This is “Our Home And Native Land”

Alberta may cut off your oil

Is your blood coming to a boil?

Don’t try to land in our country on your “Air Force One”

You’re the only reason why all this trouble has begun

The friendship between our countries is real

When you are in power it loses its appeal

Maybe you have no intentions of making a proper deal

Once your term is over, our relationship will heal

I am reminded of that old saying that comes up every year

The one you hear when spring is getting near

The mantra is now centuries old

Echoed by generations that were tired of the cold

If we are to assume there is some validity to this phrase

Spring is just around the corner, you can count down the days

“March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb”

Hopefully “Mother Nature” delivers and we don’t fall to another scam

The month has come roaring in and delivered record cold

I’m keeping my fingers crossed as the next few weeks unfold

The last few days, an event has been happening every morning

I wake up and read an alert about a heavy snowfall warning

It was widespread and many major cities were affected

Some areas received a lot more than was expected

So it’s done and should be all downhill from here

Instead of steady accumulations, the snow should soon disappear

Decided to do some research as I sometimes do

It seems this saying was first published in 1732

It says a “British” author has this claim to fame

He wrote a book of proverbs and “Thomas Fuller” was his name

So that was almost three centuries ago, 293 years to be precise

This is just an old adage, can’t be taken as sound advice!

This came from “Great Britain”, now I understand

The weather there is different from our “home and native land”

So what am I supposed to do now that this reality has set in?

Who knows when spring will really begin?

So I’ll keep the snowblower tuned up and my shovels close by

Three more weeks of cold is something I can’t deny

The days are getting longer and I can shovel in the sun

Who am I fooling, this winter isn’t close to being done!

In fact I’m getting so chilly that I have to turn up the heat

This is my final line and now this poem is complete

Did anybody happen to watch that hockey game on Thursday night?

Hats off to “Chantal Kreviazuk” who started things off right

Changing the lyrics of our “National Anthem” for “Donald Trump” to understand

By singing “true patriot love that only us command”!

That was in protest of “Trump’s” babbling of “Canada” becoming the 51st state

The fact that this game was in “Boston” made it all great

Once the opening ceremonies were complete it was time to play

Dropped the puck at center ice while the crowd was yelling “U.S.A., U.S.A., U.S.A.”

No fights eight seconds in like the game before

As much as I like a good bout, I’m glad there wasn’t an encore

The teams stuck to hockey and the game could have gone either way

With the championship on the line , both sides made some great plays

Canada’s “MacKinnon” opened up the scoring and got the first one

“Brady Tkachuk” tied it up before the first period was done

“Jake Sanderson” would score for the “Americans” to take a 2-1 lead

“Sam Bennett” would tie it up for “Canada” thanks to a great “Mitch Marner” feed

The third period was great but neither team would score

This meant we would be going to overtime and there would only be one more

The greatest current hockey player would live up to his role

It would be “Connor McDavid” that would score the winning goal

Once again it was “Marner” who would set him up

This would lead to “Canada” winning the “4 Nations Cup”

I am so excited at the fact that we won this game

I insist however in bringing up another name

We wouldn’t have even come close to accomplishing this feat

If it wasn’t for “Jordan Binnington” we would have went down in defeat

This goaltender frustrated the “Americans” time and time again

He is the only reason we continue our reign

He stood on his head as everyone observed

All these accolades I preach are well deserved

Congratulations to “Team Canada” being successful in their quest

Some of them had to play their next regular season game with less than 2 days rest!

“Donald Trump” is out on a “tariffs” tear

Something that all of us are so well aware

Starting next month he is putting his plan into action

Seems he isn’t happy unless he’s the object of distraction

He seems to be more unhinged this term if that is conceivable

The way he is governing “America” is truly unbelievable

There is nothing holding him back, he has been given “free reign”

The “Republicans” are standing in line kissing his ass once again

He’s got “Elon Musk” alongside him, his partner in crime

This relationship has been going on for some time

They look like they are two leaders of a “cult”

There’s no telling what will happen to “America” as a result

Meanwhile north of their border, “Canada” has to weather the storm

Dealing with this “lunatic” has to become the “norm”

He tries to intimidate us with his verbal attacks

If he does implement his “tariffs”, our leaders have our backs

“Canada” sits here waiting and is anticipating a fight

Unlike “Donald’s” nation, we will stand together and unite

Our “Provinces” and “Territories” know what is at stake

We will stand united no matter what measures this man takes

“Buy Canadian” is already becoming our rallying call

An anthem that will be followed by one and all

“Trump’s” plan is to do this to all his “trading friends”

This could be the beginning of a new “worldwide” trend

This is his way of showing his might

Like everything “Trump” does, it’s not thought out right

His advisors have told him that “Americans” will be affected the most

Us “Canadians” are in for the long haul from coast to coast

It’s an ego trip for “Trump” he’s in it for himself

Our liquour stores are beginning to take “American” booze off the shelves

We are not intimidated no matter what you do or say

We stand firm and are prepared for whatever comes our way

I know I have talked about my “dog walks” time and time again

Once I finish with these excursions it’s time to exercise my brain

There are daily challenges that I endeavour to do

I proceed to tackle them when our hike is through

I change up my “apps” every once in a while

Playing word games is much more my style

There are so many to choose from and vary in degree

Only one of them has stood the test of time for me

I put the onus on my “father”, he’s the one to blame

The  person who got me hooked on the “crossword puzzle” game

He bought those little books at the local corner store

Solved all the puzzles and proceeded to buy some more

I guess he inspired me as I now continue to do mine

However I don’t purchase the booklets, I do them online

There is one game that I particularly enjoy

If you were still alive, I think you would have liked it also “Roy”

Every month, twenty levels are added to their site

I take up the challenge and play them from morning until night

This means one hundred puzzles for the month to play

For some reason I try to do them all in one day

I kept up with them for years right from the start

That was until my computer tablet fell apart

After I purchased a new one I installed this game

Unfortunately it never kept my progress, it really was a shame

So I had to start from scratch, but I did it anyway

This brings me back to where I am today

Over seven years invested and every level is done

Now this tablet is failing also and I had to buy another one!

Luckily I learned something and I can give you some advice

Naturally I installed this game on my new device

Because I signed up with my “Google” account there was no memory loss

I just got new puzzles for February and continue to play “CodyCross”

“Willie” and “Phil” made their proclamations yesterday

I know everyone was anticipating what they had to say

Six more weeks of winter or an early spring?

Can we rely on these groundhogs for anything?

Just six more weeks of winter would be great

There’s no way March 16th will be the starting date!

It would be nice to think that there is only 42 days to go

Especially looking outside and seeing all that snow!

Last winter was a nice surprise, it was no trouble at all

The summer was extended and we had a late fall

I know  it was a rare occurrence, this year’s edition is more the norm

We have been getting more freezing cold and more winter storms

I’m not going to bellyache about how this season has gone

I believe it’s going to take a while before I get to see our lawn

“Groundhog Day” is a nice tradition and I like the movie too

Here in Northern Ontario, these predictions will never come true

So we will have to cope with the cold a little longer than the rest

I asked “Mother Nature” for an early spring but she has denied my request

We will eventually get there no matter what these “rodents” say

Hopefully it arrives before the beginning of May

Meanwhile the weather should improve from week to week

There will be more hours of sunlight that we sorely seek

These changes will be gradual but will be welcomed nevertheless

Up here it takes longer to get through the whole process

I guess you might say I am making predictions as well

Will I be right? I guess only time will tell

Most of the time February is the coldest and is very hard to bear

Once we get through those 28 days, it’s all downhill from there

When March appears, the temperatures get fairer

This enables us to be able to reduce another layer

No matter where you live, the winter season is rough

We can all agree, spring can’t come soon enough

So when it comes to trading, “Canada is nasty” is what “Trump” has said

That is his logic for why we should become an “American State” instead?

 How would we be treated if we became citizens to our country to the south?

Ruled by a two time impeached rapist and a certified loudmouth?

A country that has re-elected this political clown

Would we be considered immigrants and have to take the first bus out of town?

This man has maintained his followers that have put him where he is today

They continue to support him no matter what he has to say

Twenty five percent tariffs to “Canada” is his latest threat

Our leaders are concerned and their strategy has been set

They have made plans to put into action should this come true

“Trump” is so unpredictable who knows what else he’ll do!

They are trying to be prepared for whatever comes our way

“Doug Ford” is taking advantage of it and trying to save the day

Trash talking “Trump” and appearing on “American” news

He must be soaking it all up and is enjoying the reviews

He is concerned for our welfare and taking up the cause

Hold on this is “Doug Ford” it’s time to stop and pause!

Suddenly he’s our crusader and concerned with our plight?

I don’t think it’s just me, but all of this doesn’t seem right

I think all of the accolades he’s receiving have gone to his head

He’s using all this great publicity to better himself instead

Suddenly he’s portrayed as a hero and aiding his fellow man

Intending to take advantage of it the best he can

Fifteen months early but an election has been called

February 27th is the proposed date, will we still be enthralled?

Strike while the iron is hot and he could rule for five more years

I don’t believe he is our salvation as it would appear

The timing for all of this is so insane

How can he contribute when he is running his campaign?

Like “Trump”, “Ford” is corrupt and the power is gone to his head

They both now wear oversized caps, “Doug’s” is blue while “Donny’s” is red

“Trump” will be back in office before this day is through

These are the things that he has promised his followers he would do

They are the commitments that he said would be done

All of these he proclaimed would be enacted on day number one

A mass deportation to get the criminal immigrants out

This is what his campaign was really all about

Pardon the people convicted for their role in the January 6th attack

He said he would do it in the first nine minutes because he has their backs

Before today is over the war in “Ukraine” will come to an end

He said they don’t respect “Biden” and “Putin” is a friend

An executive order to implement a 25% tariff on “Mexican” and “Canadian” goods

Even though experts in the economics field don’t think he should

We know he doesn’t believe in “Climate Change” and he never will

He caters to the oil industry and says “drill, drill, drill”

Within seconds of arriving in the “Oval Office” he would work on putting this in place

His “Press Secretary” told “Fox News” this would be the case

He plans on being a “Dictator” only on the first day

There doesn’t seem to be anyone that will get in his way

He is surrounded by “Yes Men” and there seems to be no one to rein him in

Ruling the nation as a “gangster” and he’s the “Kingpin”

Actually it’s the “billionaires” that are totally in control

Bettering themselves is their real goal

A “Supreme Court” that is backing “Donny” should he go astray

As long as he holds office, there’s no crimes for him to pay!

He’s not the “brains” behind the operations, someone else is pulling the strings

As long as he thinks he’s in charge, they can do anything

Feed his fragile “ego” and he is putty in their hands

How he got re-elected? I will never understand

All his “MAGA” followers are going to discover

This is going to be a crisis that they may not be able to recover

With no restraints to control him, this won’t be an encore

This promises to be even worse than his term before!

I am not a “Leafs” fan, but somehow I can relate to their pain

You see I am a “Buffalo Bills” faithful and the playoffs are here again

I know they are different sports, but both franchises have had great teams

Through the past five decades, they haven’t fulfilled any of our dreams

Way back in 1967 was the last time the “Maple Leafs” were crowned

Since then none of their teams have been able to reach the final round

They have won thirteen “Stanley Cups” second only to the “Canadiens” who have twenty four

The credo from their loyal fans is “Just Once More”

This team has a winning history but that isn’t the worst

If the “Bills” win the “Superbowl”, this will be their first!

They were “AFL” champions in 1964 and 1965

Haven’t won anything after the league expansion in 1970 arrived

Like the “Leafs” they have had great teams but they have fallen short

That’s why they are so similar even though they are different sports

To be the champion in the “NHL” you have to win sixteen games in your playoff run

In the “NFL” the path is shorter but if you lose one game, you’re done!

Hockey is an endurance sport, so many games to play

You could lose three matches in a series and still go all the way

I’m hoping that the “Bills” beat the “Broncos” and come up with a victory

This is a matchup that I am nervous to see

I witnessed all four “Superbowl” games in the nineties when they were denied

I can still hear the commentators “Norwood’s kick is just a little wide”!

Those four years in a row of losses, I admit took quite a toll on me

This must be how the “Leafs” faithful feel, agree or disagree?

I’m hoping the “Bills” survive the weekend to live another day

There are a lot of experts predicting that they could go all the way

If you are reading this now, their fate has been sealed

The game will be over and the winning team will be revealed

There are going to be some upsets, but I hope they are able to continue in their quest

If they are still in the running, the next round will be an even bigger test

If they are successful, I’ll be there again next week to cheer

However, should they lose, I’ll be like the “Leafs” fans, “wait until next year”!

We are now at the starting of January which means a new year has begun

Hope you enjoyed the holidays and got to spend time with your loved ones

I don’t know if it was just me, but the time seemed to speed by

It seemed to take forever when I was a little guy

Now you go to the stores and Valentines are all on display

Weeks from now they will be taken down for St. Patrick’s day

This past yuletide we were the hosts

Supper included turkey and a ham we chose to roast

It was a nice quiet evening with our little group

Plenty of leftovers to share for sandwiches or perhaps homemade soup

Christmas eve we were watching holiday movies and enjoying the show

When we received a message from our neighbours to let us know

They said they saw “Santa” come by our way

He filled our three stockings that we had out on display

I checked the stockings and thanked them with a message we sent

They claimed it wasn’t them and that they just witnessed this event

“It was such a nice gesture” is all I can say

We decided to put them under the tree to open the next day

This is something we won’t soon forget

Presents for everyone including our pet

This seemed to start this holiday off just right

We continued watching our movies the rest of the night

My wife prepared the meal the next day and it turned out great

I helped out later by hand washing every utensil and plate

We video chatted with most of the kids, talked or messaged the rest

Picked up my daughter and her boyfriend who were our special guests

Exchanged gifts when they arrived and enjoyed the rest of the day

Packed up all their gifts later in the evening and then sent them on their way

Turkey and ham was on the menu for a few days more

The rest was put in the deep freeze to store

This holiday was great and I enjoyed everything

I am now looking forward to an early spring!