The Salford Totem Pole

By Pete Martin

I was born from the trunk of a West Red Cedar

Carved by the hands of Chief Doug Cranmer

Sailed o’er the ocean on a Manchester Liner

That’s how I came to Salford

They stood me up in a prominent place

Where I watched the amazement on many face

With my look of grandeur and touch of grace

I’m the Salford Totem Pole

Thunderbird sits ruling the skies

Ancestor of the Namgis tribe

Then the killer whale is no surprise

Another great crest of the Namgis soul

Raven she’s a Tlingit from Tongass

Chief with his copper showing plenty brass

I like to think I’m a work of class

I’m the Salford Totem Pole

Salford people flock to see

Three fine artists from North BC

They’ll be amazed when they finally see

Their wonderful work in restoring me

I’m not just a piece of wood

I’ve become a symbol of brotherhood

From Namgis people on Alert Bay

To Salford where I’m proud to stay.

We are proud of the cultures that we share.

They’ll shout from the rooftops good and loud

When I’m back once again looking tall and proud

With respect gushing out from the Salford crowd

That’s how I see my new home

Thank you Stephen, thank you Joe

Kevin, Edgar Bruce also

You’ve all left a mark on the Salford I know

I’m the Salford Totem Pole