Over The River
by Jane T. H. Cross
We hail your "Stripes" and lessened "Stars,"
As one may hail a neighbor;
Now forward move! no fear of jars,
With nothing but free labor;
And we will mind our slaves and farm,
And never wish you any harm,
But greet you - over the river.
The self-same language do we speak,
The same dear words we utter;
Then let's not make each other weak,
Nor 'gainst each other mutter;
But let each go his separate way,
And each will doff his hat, and say:
"I greet you - over the river!"
Our flags, almost the same, unfurl,
And nod across the border;
Ohio's waves between them curl
Our stripe's a little broader;
May yours float out on every breeze,
And, in our wake, traverse all seas
We greet you - over the river!
We part as friends of years should part,
With pleasant words and wishes,
And no desire is in our heart
For Lincoln's loaves and fishes:
"Farewell," we wave you from afar,
We like you best just where you are
And greet you - over the river!
