Heya Blake, Happy independence day!
____________
A Star Is Born
I was a child of destiny even before I was conceived I lived in the minds of free men, who wanted nothing more Than to carve a cradle for me in this vast wilderness.
I was the golden promise that had turned men's eyes to the West In me the strong saw a vast empire - The weak and oppressed a sanctuary.
And, for the weary and wandering - I was home.
To the soldier I was a bold new adventure, and To the farmer I was a section of land, a plow and team, I was a log cabin with a fireplace and garden in the read For every woman who nursed a dream of a home for her man and family.
I was struck by the spark of life in the dark womb of time.
In 1821, Austin got permission to settle three hundred Families between the Brazos and Colorado Rivers.
The spark was kindled and it grew stronger with each conflict Between the Mexicans and the settlers.
My body was molded from the torn flesh of Fannin and Travis Mine was the blood of Bowie and Crockett and a thousand others.
Who left their crimson stain in the hot dust of the Alamo and at Goliad.
I was nurtured on the vision of Austin
The brains of Lamar and Burnet
And on the bitter, raw courage of Houston.
I lay in a sea of tears shed for those who have loved me And fathered me, and died without ever seeing my face.
At night from the dark recesses of my confines, I heard The earthy ballads of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania.
Men gathered around the campfire to smoke and Talk of homes and families they had left behind.
They talked about me, too, and when I was due to arrive They made wagers on how large I would be And speculated about plans for my future.
If there was ever a wanted child, I was it - And I, too, grew impatient.
I smelled the smoke at Gonzales, and I felt my body begin to stir.
I heard the flames crackling at Harrisburg And I knew the hour was near.
Amid the roar of battle and shouts of "Remember the Alamo"
I came into being on April 21, 1836, at 4:00 p.m.
I was born beneath a Live Oak tree on the banks of The San Jacinto River where over five hundred men Lay dead - six of them my own.
I remember the days that followed with everyone Rejoicing and celebrating my arrival.
The news of my coming spread across the country.
People came from every place in America just to see me.
They dressed me in red, white, and blue and Placed me on a pedestal for all to see.
With bowed heads, men thanked God for my safe arrival.
Then someone placed a lone star above my head and - They called me TEXAS.
Brooks A. Valls
Written circa 1950