When I saw this fantastic photo by Elizabeth Hawley, it brought back lots of Texas memories. The photo is iconic, its composition and color both startling and strong: a classic Texas view. And so, I am inspired to return to childhood days and include a fragment of that state song we were all required to learn:Texas, Our Texas! all hail the mighty State!
Texas, Our Texas! so wonderful so great!
Boldest and grandest, withstanding ev'ry test
O Empire wide and glorious, you stand supremely blest.
God bless you, Texas! And keep you brave and strong,
That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long.
I imagine my fellow grown-up-here Texans also remember our teachers explaining to us that the lyrics used to say "Largest and grandest." However, once Alaska joined the EEUU, Texas was no longer the largest, simply boldest and grandest. Subtlety. Just what Texas is known for. Some of us like all the largeness here, though. It provides us a place to live behind, quietly. And that, I think, is grand.
Photo, Copyright 2007 Elizabeth Bourland Hawley.
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