a poem called “calamity” by F.R. Scott, as well as some of the

literary devices used to relate to the theme.

-Calamity-

A laundry truck

Rolled down the hill

And crashed into my maple tree.

It was a truly North American calamity.

Three cans of beer fell out

(Which in itself was revealing)

And a jumble of skirts and shirts spilled onto the ploughed grass.

Dogs barked, and the children

Sprouted like dandelions on my lawn.

Normally we do not speak to one another on this avenue,

But the excitement made us suddenly neighbours.

People exchanged remarks

Who had never been introduced

And for a while we were quite human.

Then the policeman came-

Sedately, for this was Westmount-

And carefully took down all names and numbers.

The towing truck soon followed,

Order was restored.

The starch came raining down.