John Crosbie is remembered for his many contributions to the life of Newfoundland, but he has not been known as a poet.
On my bookshelf there is an old magazine with a sonnet, a 14-line poem, which bears his name.
A young John Crosbie at age 15 expressed in rhyme opinions he was to repeat for many years:
To Newfoundland Unfettered
For years they fought to make their country free.
They were the men who fought for what was theirs.
They always knew and loved their foe, the sea,
For there they fished, and learned through all its cares.
But now they did not have the right to hold
An office, and their vote was held in fee
Because an unpaid debt had left them sold
Into a low domain with no man free.
But now are rising men who loved their land,
Who soon will try to govern once again
Their native country, belov’d Newfoundland.
Led by these men ‘tis hoped to break that chain
Of bondage. Up true Newfoundlander! Rise
And fight once more to win proud freedom’s prize!
Ian Wishart,
St. John’s
