by Maria Lisa Polegatto

My heart was pounding
Racing faster than I could run
My body left behind in the dust
As the clouds swirled around my head
As my thoughts raced on
I knew it all along
But when the truth sets free
Emotions run high about
It's good to get it out
So let's try to breathe again
Breathe in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Hold 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Breathe out 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Hold 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Now do it again
Calm your mind
Now breathe as you try again
You are free from the lies
The truth is like that
It always sets you free
Free to breathe again.

by Maria Lisa Polegatto

I entered the world today
Giving it another shot
Stepping outside to join in
To do my part

Things were going well
But then it happened again
The world fell in
As my insides fell out

Why am I always surprised
When they do it again
What joy they take
How far they are willing to go

But who am I to wonder where I belong
Even with all I know of them
I am again disillusioned at heart
Better than being delusional

So I took my seat up high
Never minding the fake smiles
For God is keeping me safe
As I rode off on my unicorn again.

 by  Maria Lisa Polegatto

​Lets start the year off right
Dash away last year, dash away
Many missions completed but always remembered 
Who, when, where, why, how, and what clues do we find
We won't tell any part of our mission
We know what the woods can feel like when alone
While we love it, we know it can be scary 
Shake it off and on with the vibe
Finding clues that lead to a person Is how we jive
Lost persons and behavior are our thing
We'll travel through anything until called back in

When the call comes from police or RCMP
We are ready to hurry up and wait
Hurry to leave with our prepared bags
Get to the site and wait for our tasking
Compass and whistle already in place
If we can't make the first call, we'll be there as relief for those ahead
We have our clothing specially picked out breathable and hopefully wool
Tall insulated boots for swamps we fear not
Bottles of water no matter the weather
Flashlights, head lamps, gloves, warm hat, helmet, walking sticks specially marked
Reflective gear head to toe
From sunscreen to bug spray, homemade fire starters to duct tape
Paper and pencil to write coordinates
Hot packs in boots and mittens
Cooling vests on wish list
Power saws for clearing
Each searcher's bag unique whether backpack or waist bag
Sorry but no jeans or sneakers in the woods
Extra socks and everything wrapped in plastic bags
Packed with care to keep us all safe
For we know not what we'll find
Off missions you will find us in hunting, fishing, camping sections
Checking for the latest gear to help us in the woods
Whether Cabela's, Canadian Tire, Temu, Amazon or Dollar stores

Into the forest group by group
We follow our team leader with map, GPS and radio or TMR in hand
Following the tasks command center has scoured maps and laid out before us
Covering ground one inch at a time taping the area covered
Grid, cross grid, repeat, area by area
The marvels of nature await us
We climb over logs, do offsets around fallen trees
We rise to the challenges Fiona's wrath has left behind
We wade through tall grass, steams and swamps
Search up and down mountains, through fields, thorns and burs
Coming out the other end with just one thing in mind
What path did you take? We follow the clues
Call in coordinates and carry on still

When a helicopter is called in we hear it whirling above
Spotting we gladly go up
Aerial grid searches watching  the ground below 
While we don't do marine searches we do search the shores and occasionally by boat
We leave no trace unseen
Where did you go? We haven't given up
Task after task we continue the search
Our kitchen is always open whether snacks, Tim's, hot soup depending on mission

We love clear skies, warm winds, and fireflies to light our way
Anytime of the year and time of day
Even in snowstorms and chilly weather
As the need is urgent to keep you from hypothermia
It is then we'll light you a fire
Survival skills we have and we're ready to share
To keep you warm as visions of flames dance and crackle you warm
In the rain we'll stand side by side and grid search
Our rain gear dripping with determination
We search 360 degrees to find a clue
We train weekly to not miss a thing
All senses high on alert

So when you go out, let someone know where
Leave them a note, trip plan, drawing and don't go alone
Take a compass, whistle, cell, emergency blanket and mirror at a minimum
They take up no room
Water and food in case you get lost
And if you do please call 911
A ping to your cell
It doesn't even have to be Bell
Don't panic and run
Hug a tree and wait for us there
We'll trek to you and bring you out
Whether by foot, carry, Argo or air
Home or hospital off you go
We'll bring you out in any shape, even for closure
And if you feel inclined, come join us
To learn and join the team to search for others
The cycle continues as we search all day and into the night

Our team is made up of many all with like mindedness
No matter the day or weather we will find the way
Even holidays we stand by for the call to leave no one behind
We seek no thanks as we volunteer freely
Each searchers wish ....... to bring the team ......and you home.