Flower People - 1967

sandals on their feet
guitars on their backs
living to a beat
not wanting to turn back

'Ban the Bomb!'
'Do away with War!'
show all nations
what we stand for

give not to society
for it's all in vain
love all neighbours
be called insane

in search of love
we have the power
in search of love
people of the flower

- - - - - -

During the spring and summer months I often spent time on Sparks Street in Ottawa, an area that was closed to pedestrian traffic only. During this time, a beaded, tie-dyed and long-haired group of young people began to frequent the street bringing their guitars with them in order to serenade the passersby. Often the young women would wear flowers in their hair and have other flowers on hand to give away. The adults, of course, were distrustful of these young people, but at the same time, they were tolerant and curious. It wasn't long before I too was wearing sandals and playing my guitar along with these strange beings.