Classic Poem

When far from our friends, to the bosom of strangers,
In search of some fancied enjoyment we roam,
Surrounded by trials, encompass'd with dangers,
How oft we look back on our far distant home:
And whether success or misfortune befall us,
Our path intermingled with pleasure or pain,
To what scenes so ever life's pathway may call us,
We think of our home and our kindred again.

Providence smile, and our toil be rewarded,
Success crown our labors and banish our fear,
Pure be our hearts, and fair virtue regarded,
Our home and our kindred are still counted dear.
Though new friends engage us with cheering attention
And time shade the images drawn in the mind,
No subject is ever more pleasing to mention
Than home and the kindred we left far behind.

When storms are uplifting the waves of the ocean,
Or when the bright sunbeams enliven the day,
When nature inspires us with warmest emotion,
We still think of kindred and friends far away.
When time has fled by, and our absence is finish'd,
To scenes of enjoyment we cheerfully come,
And still our affection remains undiminish'd,
For much beloved kindred and thrice welcome home.