C’est
moi
I lost
my language
A generation or two ago
You can still hear in my speech though
If you really listen
My father has a little accent but did
Not want us to suffer
So he would not teach us
I think it was something else
He never finished high school
in two languages he was fluent
He could spell better than Ma
who spoke only English
Sometimes she would tell him to
go back to Bouctouche
that was when even she
was angry with his French
I have been on a journey
To possess my culture
Despite my current state
I am loud to me it is grand
--Pamela Morneault Gemme
My name is Pamela Morneault Gemme. I was born and raised in
Gardner Massachusetts where I heard French spoken all my
childhood. My French heritage goes back to the 1600's in
Quebec. I wish to thank you for a truly liberating
experience in reading literature and for having a place to
be me. C'est Moi
Pam