Poems (Merrill)/Home is Where the Heart Dwells

by Clara A. Merrill

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART DWELLS

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Would I leave my home—my native hills  For the city by the sea—Or leave the lane where the woodbine swings  And all is dear to me? Would I leave my birds for the stately ships  That sail in the harbor blue—Leave the flowers, fresh from the hand of God  And kissed by the morning dew?

Would I leave my cot for a mansion grand  In the city by the sea,—Or leave the friends whom I long have loved  Who are so dear to me? Would I leave my bower mid the roses sweet  Where the sun shines bright and fair—Leave my pleasant strolls in the forest glade  In the country's fragrant air?

Nay, I'd not leave my peaceful hill  For the city by the sea—Here earliest recollection clings  And all is dear to me.— I'd not leave my cot where the willows wave  For the city's proudest dome! Where e'er the heart in fondness dwells  To me is "Home Sweet Home."