R Clay introduced Charlie once he was able to leave the barn this morning after helping a cow giving birth to new calf.
Charlie Smith, affectionately known as “The Bard of The North Shore” is a poet and farmer who practises both of these passions along the Birch Lake
Road, near Massey, Ontario. Besides his widely acclaimed poetry, he has fulfilled his dream of becoming “a father, a farmer and a good rifle shot”.
Road, near Massey, Ontario. Besides his widely acclaimed poetry, he has fulfilled his dream of becoming “a father, a farmer and a good rifle shot”.
“Here is an authentic voice of the northland - passionate, but not sentimental; wary but not cynical; highly observant; in a word, genuine. ... There is a
rhythm that seems tangibly to roll through Charlie Smith’s life – through the bond with his wife and children, and with his neighbours, and with his dogs
and livestock, and with the wildlife he hunts. It is a rhythm that binds him to the land he shapes as a farmer, and makes him part of the ever-changing, ever
recurring seasons that shape him. And it’s a rhythm that works itself out onto paper as well.”
- Laurence Steven, High Grader Magazine.
Charlie Smith has proven himself to be one of Canada’s most original and provocative poetic voices. - Charlie Angus , MP, House of Commons.
Charlie with the help of his wife shared a few of his poems interspersed with stories and background:
He has written three books of poetry. He has a new Facebook page on which he is posting some of his poems such as: March 7
The Widow MacDonald
Birch Lake Road
Hang
Silver Eyes
Cat
Webbwood,
The Taking
He also has a CD of his poems put to music, but not sung by him. For his books etc contact Charlie at erthfast@hotmail.com
Charlie carries a note book with him because he can get inspiration for a poem anytime, anywhere and he has to write it down or it is lost, like a bird flying by.
Charlie says he feels at times like he is being watched. Liesje says he is worth watching.
He can calf, plow a field but can't use computer so he wife was there to help him.
He grew up on Manitoulin Island, did some hard rock mining and is now a farmer. His wife is from Birch Island off Manitoulin Island, a real Haweater.
He started writing early in his life, he says forever.
Pres Joyce thanked Charlie and we let him go back out to the barn and calves.