Passport Melodrama Poem by Deanna Samuels

These past few weeks have been quite a headache,
renewal of passport that path had to take
to complete a few details for a holiday cruise
as current one past due date to approve

Went on line to fill in and print out forms,
clipped approved photo and papers to conform,
then onwards to Ontario Service Centre
and told forms were old and must re-enter

So sat and hand wrote out another application,
given a number, handed papers to official person.
Confirmed in order, paid fee, said takes a week or more
and should arrive in mail but will need to be signed for

Good so far, as this was early November
and delivery date expected by 12th December
leaving plenty of time for passport to be received
as need passport for travel, day before New Year's eve

Woe betide, a week later, postal-strike started
and not one bit of mail is being delivered.
Tracked my item, being held up in system,
don't panic, surely strike would be over pretty soon

Late November, strike still on, no mail moving.
Called passport help line to learn the truth,
was advised, my passport buried in their schism
had not at all reached Canada Post delivery system

Don't fret, I'm told, passport being sent via Purolator
though a week or two later nothing had transpired.
Again to Service Ontario, hoping for some assistance -
but only a telephone number and passport office list

On 5th December, went to passport office not too late,
could fill in a Status Inquiry with evidence of fly date.
Not having that on me returned with it next day
completing inquiry, assured I would hear without delay

But no one called and now getting very worried.
Rang helpline on 11th,251 people before me, tarried.
Patience rewarded, advised application still in process,
could soon be on way to collect at passport office

18th December, strike over, getting nervous, still without
and a dual Canadian citizenship, no passport - no flight.
Once again on help line, now 211 before me, persevered,
told sad story; advised those details sent, call to be received

Sceptical, but two hours later did actually receive a call,
said could collect passport December 27th at a nearby Mall
from the main passport office that had been requested.
With relief and thanks, felt again, patience was rewarded

However, on 23rd December, the saga took a turn
as checking my mail box for any long due post, a twist of fate
a Canada Post Delivery Notice, item needing to be signed for,
go to local Shoppers Mart tomorrow!

Checked tracking number, seems too good to be true
it all fits in, am sure it is the passport - but will see on the morrow
yet, had I not stopped by and checked that mail
there would have been a goose chase and a sadder tale!

Final episode - the morrow.

With positive anticipation
to Shoppers, gave all my attention,
scan matched numbered code
and yes, passport was revealed.
At last, this valued document was all mine,
can fly out on the 30th and return upon same airline


Written at Courtice, Ontario - 22nd December 2024