Vancouver and the many municipalities of BC vote today. You can find voting information for Vancouver at this site. Civic responsibility in terms of voting seems to remain a low priority for most citizens of the city. Why don’t we have a pervasive ethic of civic responsibility? To mark Vancouver’s vote I call up Malcom Lowry’s poem, “Christ Walks in this Infernal District Too.”
Beneath the Malebolge lies Hastings Street,
The province of the pimp upon his beat,
Where each in his little world of drugs or crime
Moves helplessly or, hopeful, begs a dime
Wherewith to purchase half a pint of piss–
Although he will be cheated, even in this.
I hope, although I doubt it, God knows
This place where chancres blossom like the rose,
For on each face is such a hard despair
That nothing like a grief could enter there.
And on this scene from all excuse exempt
The mountains gaze in absolute contempt,
Yet this is also Canada, my friend,
Yours to absolve of ruin, or make an end.
Published in Gary Geddes’ compilation, Vancouver: Soul of A City Lowry died in 1957.
