In From North Of The 49th, poet Jack Nanaimo offers readers a heartfelt celebration of Canada’s wildlife, capturing the essence of native species in verses that celebrate the beauty and resilience of the natural world. Through his poetic lens, readers are transported into the wilderness where the iconic Canada Goose, the mighty albatross, and other species take on symbolic roles that highlight the interconnectedness of Canada’s landscapes and its creatures.

One of the most notable animals in Nanaimo’s poetry is the Canada Goose, a symbol of Canadian wilderness and seasonal cycles. In his haiku, “Canada Goose,” Nanaimo captures the elegance of these birds flying in a distinct “V” formation, a visual reminder of the unity and endurance that characterize Canadian wildlife. His lines—“The Canada Goose / Flys high in long V patterns / Straight even at night”—reflect the timeless beauty of migration, a natural rhythm that has inspired awe for generations. Nanaimo’s imagery invites readers to appreciate not just the goose itself, but the larger cycle of nature that it represents, reminding Canadians of the patterns that connect them to the land and to each other.

Nanaimo’s appreciation for Canadian birds extends beyond the Canada Goose to include other majestic creatures of the air. In “The Great Navigator,” he celebrates the albatross, a bird known for its extraordinary wingspan and ability to travel vast distances over the sea. Nanaimo describes the albatross as “a model of free energy using wind power alone,” an embodiment of strength, endurance, and freedom. The bird’s migratory journeys over the Southern Ocean serve as a metaphor for resilience, a trait that resonates deeply with Canadian identity. Through his admiration of the albatross, Nanaimo reflects on the freedom and determination of wildlife, underscoring a shared bond between nature’s creatures and human ideals of independence.

Another iconic Canadian species that finds a place in Nanaimo’s work is the Cardinal, a small but vibrant bird known for its bright red plumage and melodious song. In “The Cardinal,” Nanaimo captures the joy of hearing the cardinal’s call as it “fills the morning and all day long.” The cardinal, often associated with beauty and cheerfulness, is a reminder of the richness of Canada’s diverse ecosystems. Nanaimo’s verses celebrate this everyday wonder, encouraging readers to appreciate the beauty in their own backyards and to find solace in the songs of nature.

Jack Nanaimo’s poetry reveals a profound appreciation for the wildlife that inhabits Canada’s vast landscapes. By drawing readers’ attention to the small yet significant creatures like the cardinal, the grandeur of the Canada Goose, and the unyielding spirit of the albatross, he brings to life the wilderness that defines Canada. His work is a poetic invitation to reconnect with nature, to marvel at the creatures that share our world, and to remember the responsibility to preserve these wild spaces. Through Nanaimo’s verses, From North Of The 49th becomes a journey into Canada’s natural world, one that celebrates wildlife as a treasured part of the nation’s heritage and identity.