Some years ago, while on assignment, I was making a photograph at the Cape Bonavista lighthouse; the light was magic. I remembered a lesson I used to teach students: when the light in front of you is that good, turn around. That's when I saw it. It was the essence of Newfoundland for me: Bonavista in all its beauty. When I clicked the shutter, I smiled, knowing I had it. I held onto the image for a few years knowing I would get around to using it eventually.

Last year, I came up with the idea for a project to mark the 100th anniversary of The Ode to Newfoundland in 2002. The Cape photograph was not my first choice, even though I had always called it We Love Thee Windswept Land. My first choice was an image by an artist friend of mine. I thought his painting was the perfect image, but that was not to be. I was saddened because I knew that nobody was even talking about The Ode. My friend, Steve Power at The Republic, said to me, "Ya bloody fool! Use the Cape--it's perfect." He was right of course. It was always reserved for something special and this was going to be it.

Why The Ode? It is a visual and vivid poem. How many anthems draw attention to and foster respect for the land? Not to mention the weather! I've often thought we should make it mandatory for all newcomers to learn it by rote so they will not be shocked by our weather. I wanted to celebrate the anniversary by printing all four verses of The Ode. I am tired of public events where we only sing an abbreviated form. This is our anthem. I believe that singing it in shorthand is disrespectful. The Ode is part of our essence, our consciousness. If I ask myself why it is that I live here, my answers can be found in the poem. Newfoundland is the place I love first, above all. I am lucky to live in the place I love.

Next time you hear it, sing all four verses and take comfort in the fact that we were singing it before Oh Canada. Why the poster? I wanted to celebrate my national anthem.