I’m part of a big family(13 kids) born in Newfoundland and Labrador, now living in Ontario for over 40 years. I’m married with one wonderful daughter and an amazing grandson. I’ve always been musically inclined (as are the rest of my siblings) and have been writing songs and poems for most of my life. I also like to create movies from pictures of places I have travelled with my husband.
To be honest, I was not aware of the tulip tradition until yesterday when I read about it on Facebook. I thought to myself, this seems like an interesting story, so I did the research this morning and came up with my poem, “Tulips to Say Thanks”. I hope that I haven’t misrepresented the history in what I wrote. I also hope that it reflects the pride I feel for our country, as that’s how I felt when writing this poem.
Tulips to Say Thanks
In spring of 1940 a princess came
From the Netherlands, Juliana, her name
The Second World War caused the family to flee
To London at first; their concern was safety
A month later, a new decision was made
The danger too much if the whole family stayed
A royal princess, with two daughters in tow
Then fled the U.K. “To Canada we go!”
They were offered asylum from Earl Athlone
Our Governor General appointed by throne
So, in Ottawa this Dutch family would stay
While in exile their home was the Stornoway
January 19th, 1943
Juliana gave birth to her third baby
Princess Margriet, who could become queen one day
Only if born in the Netherlands, they say
Ensuring her royal heritage remained
Extraterritorial, the ward became
That temporary change meant her birth would be
Considered as the Netherlands, her country
On our Peace Tower, their tri-coloured flag flew
Dutch music was played by the carillons too
Prince Bernhard, her father, spread news of his girl
To family in London, and then to the world
In 1945, the Princess went home
She never forgot what our country had done
A hundred thousand tulips she sent that fall
The Netherlands to Canada, thanks to all
The princess had asked if we could find some space
At Ottawa Civic Hospital, so many bulbs were placed
Tradition continues, the tulips still come
Bringing much joy and delight to everyone
By Daphne Yetman
May 1, 2021
