TN Home and Farm: My Beloved Tennessee: Ode to The Volunteer State Considered as an Official Tennessee State Poem

My Beloved Tennessee

My thoughts wander on your path again

Captivated by the beauty of rolling hills

That rise above a road that bends,

As dusk spreads mist across the fields.

I heard the piping of the morning lay

And gazed on scenes from yesteryears,

When open come the gates of May,

And in purple ruffles the Iris appears.

Cherished memories thou doth hold,

Sweet home in Tennessee, to you I hope

To come before the winds grow cold.

Nestled in vales, quaint barns of old

Stood in wait for the gathering harvest

Scattered across autumn fields of gold,

And chapels adorned with steeples fair

Rang bells against the morning cold

Calling the pleasant and faithful there

To come and nourish thirsting souls.

Your faith has kept your pillars strong,

My heritage from days of old,

How blessed am I to call you home.

Your vaulted domes, in blue mist crowned,

Listen to babbling brooks shower chambers

Beneath, rich treasures there are found.

From afar they come to see your sights,

And hear your song, from Memphis to

Bristol, your cities shine bright.

For in distant lands your light has shown,

Oh Valiant Volunteer, you gave hope

To those you had never known.

Come to me in my dreams tonight

Oh beloved home in Tennessee,

When I wake with morning’s light,

May I again be near to thee.

About the Author: Marlene Edwards Tidwell is a Tennessee native who grew up on a farm in Stewart County and now resides with her husband in Williamson County. She has worked as a corporate tax accountant, served as director for several nonprofits over the years, and enjoys writing and speaking.

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