Just Folks

My Land

          My land is where the kind folks are,
            And where the friends are true,
          Where comrades brave will travel far
            Some kindly deed to do.
          My land is where the smiles are bright
            And where the speech is sweet,
          And where men cling to what is right
            Regardless of defeat.

          My land is where the starry flag
            Gleams brightly in the sun;
          The land of rugged mountain crag,
            The land where rivers run,
          Where cheeks are tanned and hearts are bold
            And women fair to see,
          And all is not a strife for gold—
            That land is home to me.

          My land is where the children play,
            And where the roses bloom,
          And where to break the peaceful day
            No flaming cannons boom.
          My land's the land of honest toil,
            Of laughter, dance and song,
          Where harvests crown the fertile soil
            And thoughtful are the strong.

          My land's the land of many creeds
            And tolerance for all
          It is the land of 'splendid deeds
            Where men are seldom small.
          And though the world should bid me roam,
            Its distant scenes to see,
          My land would keep my heart at home
            And there I'd always be.