The Icelandic Canadian - 01.03.2004, Page 35

Vol. 58 #3
THE ICELANDIC CANADIAN
129
He dragged a heavy gravestone all the way from Fort Garry,
Built a sturdy fence, grave and stone now within.
With his one surviving daughter, John built a northern home.
The land around the gravesite became someone’s farm.
Over many years cattle trampled down the grave.
In his far northern home, John heard of the damage,
But nobody listened when John asked that it be repaired.
And so, John died, his request unheeded.
Yet, strange as it seems, the message is later heard.
A young man named Trausti sees in a dream
Tall and handsome, as he had been in life,
John Ramsay asks Trausti to rebuild the fence.
A promise quickly given in dream, so soon forgotten,
And after many months, John returns in a dream.
“Trausti, Trausti, have you forgotten your promise?”
Ashamed and remorseful, Trausti renews his pledge.
Though very poor, he provides the lumber needed,
Builds a sturdy fence with the pickets he makes.
And from that day, his life becomes richer,
He always has food for his family now.
Throughout his long life, Trausti always found employment as a
master carpenter.
And now Betsey Ramsay’s grave is well preserved at Sandy Bar.
Performed in a 4-beat meter, accompanied by a background
of a native drum and a chant of minor third.