A grade 12 student from Kitsilano Senior Secondary who frequently visits Powell River was recently inspired to write a poem, called “Powell River,” about the area.
Tia Singh’s family (Lloyds and Kennedys) have been part of the Powell River community since the 1920s. Her mother, Amy Lloyd, spent nearly every summer of her life at the family cottage on Palm Beach. That tradition has continued with Tia, as relatives and friends continue to gather at the log cabin, where her 94-year-old grandfather Ted Lloyd lives year-round.
During the family’s most recent visit in late February/early March, as an early 94th birthday present for her grandfather, Tia presented him with a framed copy of the poem, which describes Palm Beach and what it means to her and her family.
“Palm Beach and Powell River have a special place in our hearts,” said Amy. “Although she was born and raised in Vancouver, a city girl, she absolutely adores it there.”
Tia, who turned 18 on May 16, submitted the poem to her school as a creative writing assignment.
Powell River
It’s not about crystal-blue water
Or a blanket of crisp white sand
It’s not about picture-perfect photos
Or treasured-filled deep underground
It lacks beauty but holds value
It’s where children hunt for sea glass
Or dig for sea coins in the sand.
It’s where our family comes together
It’s where we make a bonfire
And toast s’mores and smokies
It’s the perfume of fresh pine and seawater
And the scent of woodsmoke
That wraps around me the next day.
It’s where the sound of the waves
Breaking on the beach
Drowns out the stress that
The city left behind.
It’s where we can walk on the driftwood
Like balance beams
It’s where we can see the stars
Like broken pieces of diamond:
The sky flaunting its wealth.
