Flower of Texas what tales could you tell?
‘bout the wonders you’ve seen all the eras you’ve dwelled.
What were they like those soldiers of Spain?
Plund’ring for treasures of gold ‑ all in vain
And monks building missions to house all the souls
“Thousands for Christ” the Queen’s worldly goal.
Did you see angry faces of white men and red
Bright scarlet blood on the green grass once shed?
Did you witness the mission in old San Antoine
House of the Lord built of cannon and stone,
Where a few hundred men stood so hearty and brave
against thousands and thousands in long bloody wave?
Were you trampled by boots, carts, and long–horned big steer?
Or picked by a young man for sweetheart so dear?
Were you smothered by gushers with hot heavy oil?
Your satin blue petals, tainted and soiled,
Through ages, war rages, through trampling and drought
Year after year you faithfully spring out.
Have you forgotten all you have learned?
Oh, brave little blue bonnet, why do you return?
For a few shining moments to fill all the land
With waves of blue wonder ‑ so peaceful and grand.
You’re a sign of God’s goodness from heaven above,
A sign of forgiving and bountiful love.
By Diane Mary Mayer
An Ordinary Woman 