• A Toast to our Native Land
    by mason cook

    Huge and alert, irascible yet strong,
    We make our fitful way 'mid right and wrong.
    One time we pour out millions to be free,
    Then rashly sweep an empire from the sea!
    One time we strike the shackles from the slaves,
    And then, quiescent, we are ruled by knaves.
    Often we rudely break restraining bars,
    And confidently reach out toward the stars.

    Yet under all there flows a hidden stream
    Sprung from the Rock of Freedom, the great dream
    Of Washington and Franklin, men of old
    Who knew that freedom is not bought with gold.
    This is the Land we love, our heritage,
    Strange mixture of the gross and fine, yet sage
    And full of promise destined to be great.
    Drink to Our Native Land! God Bless the State!

    A Toast to our Native Land
    by mason cook