Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle
An Oliver student’s poem about the impact of war has been chosen best in province by the Royal Canadian Legion.
Maya Baerg’s poem titled “Remember Me Not” will now be judged by Dominion Command in Ottawa for top honours in Canada.
The 14-year-old Grade 9 student from SOSS was totally surprised by her win in B.C., and to be honest, she didn’t think of entering it until her English teacher prodded her.
Baerg said 2021 was a tough year for her.
“There were some deaths in my family that were really, really tough for me, so I used a lot of my own emotion and feeling when I wrote the poem.”
Baerg said she wrote it with the theme of Remembrance Day, adding her own personal experience as opposed to a world view.
She also had interjected thoughts of the Ukraine conflict and the atrocities happening in that country.
“Remembrance Day is not just about World War Two; it had a huge impact on our world, but Remembrance Day is about remembering everyone who has fought in wars.”
Baerg said a lot of her family members have been impacted by war.
“When I wrote the poem I was remembering my family’s experiences with the war and all the wars in the world today.”
She explained that her family originally came from Latvia and were Baltic Germans fleeing the Hitler regime.
“When they came to Canada they lost everything, so there was a lot of hardships that they faced . . . hunger and fear.”
Baerg said it strikes her every Remembrance Day when she sees poppies littering the streets a day or two after. That’s why she wrote “pinned on sympathy” in her poem.
“I really felt that we need to address the issue that it’s a big deal – Remembrance Day is about remembering those who we’ve lost, whether it was soldiers who directly fought in the war or those fleeing from the war.”
Baerg said it’s not just about putting on a poppy, it’s about taking time to remember.
“I find it very cliché that it’s just ‘lest we forget’ and put on a poppy and take it off on November 12th, I don’t like that.”
Baerg said she believes the entire perspective of Remembrance Day needs to change from solely focusing on the Second World War to more present global conflicts, such as Ukraine.
The globally minded student said she would like to see more discussion on this topic between educators and students.
“It’s a big part of human history and the future of humanity. Unfortunately, conflict is human nature.”
Baerg said she is not pro war and considers herself more of a pacifist, but she thinks more attention should be brought to this so that future conflicts can be avoided.
Looking at the Ukraine situation, Baerg said she thinks it’s “crazy” that they have managed to hold Russia off for this long.
“Especially with the events of Bucha recently, it’s just been really, really horrible. I think the best way to describe that is active terrorism. It was definitely planned.”
Baerg acknowledged that the US and other countries could go in there and likely put a stop to the conflict, but at what cost?
“We’re looking at the potential for nuclear war,” she said.
But enough about war.
The young woman is thrilled that her poem is being considered for a national award, and she was totally surprised that the provincial award came with a $250 cash prize.
Baerg said the money will go towards her passion for equestrian riding. She recently adopted two horses from the SPCA, so this money will help with their cost.
Baerg is a novice dressage rider and loves the sport.
“For me it’s more about the partnership (with my horse) than the competition. I’d rather have the bond with my horse than become famous.”
As far as her future, Baerg has it mapped out already. She wants to become a doctor, specializing in pediatrics.
Estelle Pavan, president of the Oliver Legion, said the poem brought tears to her eyes.
“It’s a different take on the people who gave their lives,” she said, adding it’s fabulous that Baerg won top honours in B.C.
Pavan said she is astounded at the creativity of the youth in their essays, poems, and posters.
She noted because there is another war in Ukraine, this may be a catalyst for local youth in remembering the impacts of global conflicts.
She said the Legion’s youth program is meant for kids to be more aware of the past and how it dictates the future.
“Except I guess . . . we’re not very smart because we keep making the same mistakes, don’t we?”
The following is Baerg’s poem:
Remember me not
Remember me not
By pretty words
Twinkling and twisting
Like spun gold and silver
Remember me not
From that theatre screen
We aren’t a movie cast
This isn’t an act
Remember me not
With that pinned on sympathy
“Lest we forget”
Cast it off after the event
Remember me with rawness
A wound that can’t heal
Remember me with grief
Pain that forces you to your knees
Remember me with sorrow
That innocence we all once held
Lost to war’s unforgiving grasp
Remember me with joy
For my fight, my life, my youth,
However short
Remember me for who I was
Remember.
