The Pride of Michigan
by William R. Rozek
Blessed with rich loamy soils,
Abundant in great fresh waters,
A mysterious river of energy
Flows through this Algonquian haven,
And throughout all who abide within...
For the inherent essence of the native child
Is a natural birthright that stems
From mother earth, which offers life itself
As the true legacy of ancestral spirits
Who forever dwell in hallowed grounds...
From the smallest of seeds
Have grown the mightiest of trees;
And from the humblest of dreams,
There have risen the noblest of cities,
Borne by the strength of its sons and daughters...
For throughout the ages, the deepest of lakes
Have been formed by single drops of rain;
And from the finest grains of sand,
Forbearance has created a wondrous land,
This land, upon which we firmly stand…
As every morning brings night, each dusk brings dawn,
Dreams are envisioned, new destinies unfold;
For the true native will always endure
In a lifelong journey of self-fulfillment,
With the confident conviction of one who is blessed.