Oh Tennessee, My Tennessee

[Durka-Durka~SPARTA~]

One of the coolest poems I've come across about my state, if not for the content, at least for the context. It also happens to be the State Poem, written by Naval Adm. William Porter Lawrence while in captivity in Vietnam....

 

Oh Tennessee, My Tennessee

 

Oh Tennessee, My Tennessee

What Love and Pride I Feel for Thee.

You Proud Ole State, the Volunteer,

Your Proud Traditions I Hold Dear.

 

I Revere Your Heroes

Who Bravely Fought our Country's Foes.

Renowned Statesmen, so Wise and Strong,

Who Served our Country Well and Long.

 

I Thrill at Thought of Mountains Grand;

Rolling Green Hills and Fertile Farm Land;

Earth Rich with Stone, Mineral and Ore;

Forests Dense and Wild Flowers Galore;

 

Powerful Rivers that Bring us Light;

Deep Lakes with Fish and Fowl in Flight;

Thriving Cities and Industries;

Fine Schools and Universities;

Strong Folks of Pioneer Descent,

Simple, Honest, and Reverent.

 

Beauty and Hospitality

Are the Hallmarks of Tennessee.

 

And O'er the World as I May Roam,

No Place Exceeds my Boyhood Home.

And Oh How Much I Long to See

My Native Land, My Tennessee.

 

I remember feeling much the same way when overseas or being anywhere outside the state for more than a month or so.

[Halli~SPARTA~]

Yep I have lived in Va.,Ga.,In. and Stayed a year in Washington State but always missed Tennessee although Washington state was Wonderful I still longed for the Hardwoods Of home.