Breaking of the Sword (Introduction)

In December 2016
I was invited to participate in a performance
To commemorate the Battle of Vimy Ridge
A 'World War I' event in which many Canadians perished
Although, in the end I performed a different piece
I felt this song needed a place to call home
And so I decided to put it on this recording

On a sunny April morning
My dear son, you were born
Until one day you were called away
And from my heart was torn

In reflecting on this battle
I came to appreciate
That a mother's or family's loss of a loved one
Is still deeply felt
Whether or not, they're on the winning side or losing side
On the right side or the wrong one

I've come to appreciate that there are two more kinds of families who feel this loss
The military family and the soldiers comrades
With whom they built a very special bond
But also the communities in which these individuals
Grew up, lived and worked
"Breaking of the Sword" is a reflection of these things

My child, I love you more and more
And will my whole life long

You were called to serve the country
You were called to serve the king
And from our home, you left one day
And of this, today we sing