A poem: Maryland, My Maryland

Note: The following poem has been proposed as a replacement for the present Maryland state song of the same name. See the related story and the lyrics for the state song.

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I We dedicate our song to thee,
Maryland, my Maryland,
The home of light and liberty,
Maryland, my Maryland,
We love thy streams and wooded hills,
Thy mountains with their gushing rills,
Thy scenes — our heart with rapture fills — Maryland, my Maryland.

II In twain the Chesapeake divides
Maryland, my Maryland,
While oceanward its water glides,
Maryland, my Maryland.

Yet we in thought and purpose one,
Pursue the work so well begun,
And may our state be ne'er outdone,
Maryland, my Maryland.

III Proud sons and daughters boast of
thee, Maryland, my Maryland.
Thine is a precious history,
Maryland, my Maryland.

Brave hearts have held thy honor dear,
Have met the foeman far and near,
But victory has furnished cheer,
Maryland, my Maryland.

IV 'Sail on, sail on, o ship of state!'
Maryland, my Maryland.
May we, thy children, make thee
great, Maryland, my Maryland.

May gratitude our hearts possess,
And boldly we thy claims express,
And bow in loving thankfulness,
Maryland, my Maryland.