Ode to British Columbia

At the suggestion of patb, who commented on my previous post, Think Poetry!, here is my attempt at an ode:

Ode to British Columbia

Columbia! You guard the western shore
Of this great land stretched forth from sea to sea,
Wide azure skies with eagles free to soar
And snow-capped mountains clothed in majesty.
Our motto sings, Here’s “Beauty Without End”—
The coast, the isles, Chilcotin-Cariboo,
The fruit-rich orchards, grapes upon the vine
The northern prairie where wild flowers blend
Their fragrance with the early morning dew.
My heart is conquered, for all this is mine.

Although this land is blessed with great romance,
Our people and their talents are our gold—
Our heritage is rich in music, dance—
In theatre, poetry, our lives unfold.
Our arts tell stories many different ways,
With fabric, film, with paint and words and food.
Contemporary artists fill the air
With magic that will set our hearts ablaze!
The BC Scene will set a lively mood
To celebrate the arts with certain flair!