Grostenquin, France

1959 – Humer – Don Norrie


This satirical poem deals with Prime Minister John Diefenbaker's visit to 2 (F) Wing on 9 Nov 1958. It appeared in the Roundel the following year.

HUMER

I’m Take Salute From Prime Minister

My name she’s Joe, I’m station here
2 Fighter Wing Air Base,
H’in h’air Force Blue wit’ odder guy
W’ats help to run dis place.

I’m write dis poem wit’ words an’ lines
To give you short portray
Of w’at big t’ings go on dis place
Jus’ now de odder day.

CO, he say, "Clean h’up de place",
Was two, t’ree, four week back,
H’an h’everybody got paint brush,
T’row paint on all de shack.

Wit’ place cleaned up, CO he smile,
H’an den he stick out chest,
He say, "You boy can be ver’ proud,
We get important guest."

"Prime Min’ster come to dis place here
To see you guy in France,
H’an all you boy mus’ look your bes’,
Clean shoes an’ press de pants."

Me, I’m start to get prepare,
Take shower every day,
H’an shine dos boots h’an mend de sock,
Look smart like CO say.

Big day she’s come, 2 Wing is jump,
Wit’ guys in every place,
H’an me I’m bring big Maple Leaf,
To wave in PM’s face.

I’m stan’ in line wit’ rest of guy,
W’en plane fly over base,
I’m feel real proud by now dis time,
Get anxious in de face.

Jus’ den de SWO run h’up to me,
He was in awful spin,
He say "Run quick to far way fence,
Dose cows are gettin’ h’in."

All day an’ night I’m watch dose cow,
Prime Min’ster come h’an go,
I won’ see him at all dis time,
I’m guard against de foe.

PM take-off in plane next day,
H’an me I’m yell h’an hoot,
He waves his han’ as plane goes by,
Wit’ cows I’m take salute.

Dere’s guys w’at’s big h’an wear much brass,
H’an’ strut and stick h’up chin,
But I t’ink PM like me de bes,
On face he had big grin!

by: "Doc"