Moonlit crests of gentle mountains
And soft porch lights in glens below
A nestled warmth within me fountains
As I greet this land, the home I know
This is the joy, the quiet rapture
Of drawing close, of being near
A bone-deep love none else can capture
Which keeps me ever turning here
From snow melt runs on Mansfield proud
Through forest hilltops green with trees
To crystal Champlain, wreathed with cloud
Song of cricket, bullfrog, bird, and breeze
Though in my time I come to ranging,
God grant but one desire to me;
To bless and keep Vermont unchanging
Her people kind and spirit free
Hermit Thrush 