Congratulations Shane! Opening Ceremony Poet

[watchkat]

I was fascinated with his "speech" which apparently is called slam poetry. What a talent! I had no idea who he was until finding this forum and now discover this was an adaptation of the July 1, 2007 Celebrations. I will be watching for more of his works.


Shane Koyczan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Shane Koyczan

Background information
Birth name(s): Shane L. Koyczan
Date of birth 22 May 1976 (1976-05-22) (age 33)
Birth location Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
Genre(s) slam poetry

Shane L. Koyczan (born 22 May 1976) is a Canadian slam poet and famous neckbeard. Born in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Koyczan grew up in Penticton, British Columbia. In 2000, he became the first Canadian to win the Individual Championship title at the National Poetry Slam.[1] Together with Mighty Mike McGee and C. R. Avery, he is the co-founder of spoken word, "talk rock" trio, Tons of Fun University (T.O.F.U.). In August of 2007 Shane Koyczan and his work were the subject of an episode of the television documentary series Heart of a Poet, produced by Canadian filmmaker Maureen Judge for broadcaster Bravo!.[2]

Koyczan’s "We Are More[1]" and Ivan Bielinski’s "La première fois", commissioned by the Canadian Tourism Commission, were unveiled at Canada Day festivities on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on 1 July 2007.[3] Koyczan performed a variation on his piece at the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.[4]

Koyczan also collaborated on Vancouver-based musician Dan Mangan's Roboteering EP on the track Tragic Turn of Events - Move Pen Move.

[JLives]

When defining Canada

you might list some statistics

you might mention our tallest building... See more

or biggest lake

you might shake a tree in the fall

and call a red leaf Canada

you might rattle off some celebrities

might mention Buffy Sainte-Marie

might even mention the fact that we've got a few

Barenaked Ladies

or that we made these crazy things

like zippers

electric cars

and washing machines

when defining Canada

it seems the world's anthem has been

" been there done that"

and maybe that's where we used to be at

it's true

we've done and we've been

we've seen

all the great themes get swallowed up by the machine

and turned into theme parks

but when defining Canada

don't forget to mention that we have set sparks

we are not just fishing stories

about the one that got away

we do more than sit around and say "eh?"

and yes

we are the home of the Rocket and the Great One

who inspired little number nines

and little number ninety-nines

but we're more than just hockey and fishing lines

off of the rocky coast of the Maritimes

and some say what defines us

is something as simple as please and thank you

and as for you're welcome

well we say that too

but we are more

than genteel or civilized

we are an idea in the process

of being realized

we are young

we are cultures strung together

then woven into a tapestry

and the design

is what makes us more

than the sum total of our history

we are an experiment going right for a change

with influences that range from a to zed

and yes we say zed instead of zee

we are the colours of Chinatown and the coffee of Little Italy

we dream so big that there are those

who would call our ambition an industry

because we are more than sticky maple syrup and clean snow

we do more than grow wheat and brew beer

we are vineyards of good year after good year

we reforest what we clear

because we believe in generations beyond our own

knowing now that so many of us

have grown past what used to be

we can stand here today

filled with all the hope people have

when they say things like "someday"

someday we'll be great

someday we'll be this

or that

someday we'll be at a point

when someday was yesterday

and all of our aspirations will pay the way

for those who on that day

look towards tomorrow

and still they say someday

we will reach the goals we set

and we will get interest on our inspiration

because we are more than a nation of whale watchers and lumberjacks

more than backpacks and hiking trails

we are hammers and nails building bridges

towards those who are willing to walk across

we are the lost-and-found for all those who might find themselves at a loss

we are not the see-through gloss or glamour

of those who clamour for the failings of others

we are fathers brothers sisters and mothers

uncles and nephews aunts and nieces

we are cousins

we are found missing puzzle pieces

we are families with room at the table for newcomers

we are more than summers and winters

more than on and off seasons

we are the reasons people have for wanting to stay

because we are more than what we say or do

we live to get past what we go through

and learn who we are

we are students

students who study the studiousness of studying

so we know what as well as why

we don't have all the answers

but we try

and the effort is what makes us more

we don't all know what it is in life we're looking for

so keep exploring

go far and wide

or go inside but go deep

go deep

as if James Cameron was filming a sequel to The Abyss

and suddenly there was this location scout

trying to figure some way out

to get inside you

because you've been through hell and high water

and you went deep

keep exploring

because we are more

than a laundry list of things to do and places to see

we are more than hills to ski

or countryside ponds to skate

we are the abandoned hesitation of all those who can't wait

we are first-rate greasy-spoon diners and healthy-living cafes

a country that is all the ways you choose to live

a land that can give you variety

because we are choices

we are millions upon millions of voices shouting

" keep exploring... we are more"

we are the surprise the world has in store for you

it's true

Canada is the "what" in "what's new?"

so don't say "been there done that"

unless you've sat on the sidewalk

while chalk artists draw still lifes

on the concrete of a kid in the street

beatboxing to Neil Young for fun

don't say you've been there done that

unless you've been here doing it

let this country be your first-aid kit

for all the times you get sick of the same old same old

let us be the story told to your friends

and when that story ends

leave chapters for the next time you'll come back

next time pack for all the things

you didn't pack for the first time

but don't let your luggage define your travels

each life unravels differently

and experiences are what make up

the colours of our tapestry

we are the true north

strong and free

and what's more

is that we didn't just say it

we made it be.

[grammafreddy]

Jenny - what was your source for those words? I went looking for them but couldn't find them.

Thanks. I thought he was marvelous, commanding, inspiring and definitive to the max.

If you are reading this, Shane ... well done!

[watchkat]

I think Jenny's version is the original from Canada Day 2007. Every bit as good! I think he shortened and adapted to BC lumberjacks and reforestation for the Olympic version.

Both are inspirational!

[Static]

Google "Shane Koyczan" to see more of his work. It is very good. removed - Jennylives

[JLives]

They were posted on a Mommy board I'm on. Not sure which version but it is Shane.

[Cateyes]

All I know is the dude needs to lose that ridiculous neckstash. Someone needs to tell him it doesn't do anything to hid the triple chin.

[Tandr]

All I know is the dude needs to lose that ridiculous neckstash. Someone needs to tell him it doesn't do anything to hid the triple chin.

You have a good point, Cateyes. I will let him know. Maybe shaving will even get him a chance at stardom. Maybe (if he's lucky) shaving will get him a chance at performing at the opening ceremonies of the olympics! think of the possibilities.

[Cateyes]

All I know is the dude needs to lose that ridiculous neckstash. Someone needs to tell him it doesn't do anything to hid the triple chin.

You have a good point, Cateyes. I will let him know. Maybe shaving will even get him a chance at stardom. Maybe (if he's lucky) shaving will get him a chance at performing at the opening ceremonies of the olympics! think of the possibilities.

Then he would not have fit in with the freak show element they were going for. When you have goth tattoo'd tapdancing violinist then a neckstash doesn't seem to bad. I must of missed the Heroin addict from E Hastings with a needle still stuck in their arm part of the show.

[Loed]

All I know is the dude needs to lose that ridiculous neckstash. Someone needs to tell him it doesn't do anything to hid the triple chin.

You have a good point, Cateyes. I will let him know. Maybe shaving will even get him a chance at stardom. Maybe (if he's lucky) shaving will get him a chance at performing at the opening ceremonies of the olympics! think of the possibilities.

Then he would not have fit in with the freak show element they were going for. When you have goth tattoo'd tapdancing violinist then a neckstash doesn't seem to bad. I must of missed the Heroin addict from E Hastings with a needle still stuck in their arm part of the show.

What is with your attitude Cat?
Honestly, the games went on due to a majority vote. YES, it's a giant failure on every front so far. Everyone sees that, and I'm personally glad it is happening, but in a case like this where someone has worked hard and gets a little recognition, let people enjoy the games. They are here and here to stay, mistakes, screw ups etc. all here to stay. The best we can do is make the most of it, and hope that the mistakes get enough publicity to never ever have them here again.

[Cateyes]

All I know is the dude needs to lose that ridiculous neckstash. Someone needs to tell him it doesn't do anything to hid the triple chin.

You have a good point, Cateyes. I will let him know. Maybe shaving will even get him a chance at stardom. Maybe (if he's lucky) shaving will get him a chance at performing at the opening ceremonies of the olympics! think of the possibilities.

Then he would not have fit in with the freak show element they were going for. When you have goth tattoo'd tapdancing violinist then a neckstash doesn't seem to bad. I must of missed the Heroin addict from E Hastings with a needle still stuck in their arm part of the show.

What is with your attitude Cat?
Honestly, the games went on due to a majority vote. YES, it's a giant failure on every front so far. Everyone sees that, and I'm personally glad it is happening, but in a case like this where someone has worked hard and gets a little recognition, let people enjoy the games. They are here and here to stay, mistakes, screw ups etc. all here to stay. The best we can do is make the most of it, and hope that the mistakes get enough publicity to never ever have them here again.

I'm one of the ones that is going to have to pay for it so I sure as he!! have a right to *bleep* about it. Suck on that!

You defenders have no clue what sort of effect this financial disaster is going to have on each and every one of you. Almost none of this has been paid for yet and where do you think that money is coming from?

[RR24K]

I'm one of the ones that is going to have to pay for it so I sure as he!! have a right to *bleep* about it. Suck on that!

You defenders have no clue what sort of effect this financial disaster is going to have on each and every one of you. Almost none of this has been paid for yet and where do you think that money is coming from?

[Al Czervic]

where do you think that money is coming from?

Trees ! They have great NDP Socialist Forests where money grows on trees. Everyone knows that.

[Loed]

All I know is the dude needs to lose that ridiculous neckstash. Someone needs to tell him it doesn't do anything to hid the triple chin.

You have a good point, Cateyes. I will let him know. Maybe shaving will even get him a chance at stardom. Maybe (if he's lucky) shaving will get him a chance at performing at the opening ceremonies of the olympics! think of the possibilities.

Then he would not have fit in with the freak show element they were going for. When you have goth tattoo'd tapdancing violinist then a neckstash doesn't seem to bad. I must of missed the Heroin addict from E Hastings with a needle still stuck in their arm part of the show.

What is with your attitude Cat?
Honestly, the games went on due to a majority vote. YES, it's a giant failure on every front so far. Everyone sees that, and I'm personally glad it is happening, but in a case like this where someone has worked hard and gets a little recognition, let people enjoy the games. They are here and here to stay, mistakes, screw ups etc. all here to stay. The best we can do is make the most of it, and hope that the mistakes get enough publicity to never ever have them here again.

I'm one of the ones that is going to have to pay for it so I sure as he!! have a right to *bleep* about it. Suck on that!

You defenders have no clue what sort of effect this financial disaster is going to have on each and every one of you. Almost none of this has been paid for yet and where do you think that money is coming from?

I'm not a defender, I was on the front lines protesting this whole event while the vote was still being taken. I know where the money is coming from, and no matter who you tell that to, it's not reality to them sadly.

You can *bleep* all you want, but you just look like a fool repeating the same old tired statements over and over again in all your posts. Be a realist, OUR opinion got voted out when Van took the public vote to host the Olympics. Get over and move onto better things. Enjoy the show as it is GOING to happen no matter what you think. Best get some enjoyment out of it, even if it is laughing at the massive failure and PR destroyer this is ending up to be(like we said 2 years ago, and many times before that).

< Not a defender, get that through your head first. Just a realist.

[LoneWolf_53]

All I know is the dude needs to lose that ridiculous neckstash. Someone needs to tell him it doesn't do anything to hid the triple chin.

You have a good point, Cateyes. I will let him know. Maybe shaving will even get him a chance at stardom. Maybe (if he's lucky) shaving will get him a chance at performing at the opening ceremonies of the olympics! think of the possibilities.

Then he would not have fit in with the freak show element they were going for. When you have goth tattoo'd tapdancing violinist then a neckstash doesn't seem to bad. I must of missed the Heroin addict from E Hastings with a needle still stuck in their arm part of the show.

What is with your attitude Cat?
Honestly, the games went on due to a majority vote. YES, it's a giant failure on every front so far. Everyone sees that, and I'm personally glad it is happening, but in a case like this where someone has worked hard and gets a little recognition, let people enjoy the games. They are here and here to stay, mistakes, screw ups etc. all here to stay. The best we can do is make the most of it, and hope that the mistakes get enough publicity to never ever have them here again.

I'm one of the ones that is going to have to pay for it so I sure as he!! have a right to *bleep* about it. Suck on that!

You defenders have no clue what sort of effect this financial disaster is going to have on each and every one of you. Almost none of this has been paid for yet and where do you think that money is coming from?

My goodness the way you've been going on and on and on for a moment there I thought you were paying for it all by yourself.

Whatever right you think you have I'd venture that by now you've used up your *bleep* quota as well as that of a small country.