[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 74 (Friday, June 7, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S5255]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MAVERICK LEZAR

 Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I rise today to acknowledge the 
achievement of Maverick Lezar, a fourth grade student at the Hockaday 
School in Dallas, TX. Maverick wrote a wonderful poem that earned first 
place in the 2002 Poetry Society of Texas contest. Annually, the Poetry 
Society sponsors a Poetry in Schools contest which is open to any Texas 
student from first grade through college. This contest recognizes and 
encourages talented students and fosters their creativity as aspiring 
writers and poets.
  Maverick Lezar's award winning poem, ``God Bless Me,'' speaks to the 
strength and spirit of America. It serves as a striking reminder of the 
beauty in our Nation's physical landscape as well as the ideals for 
which America stands.

     I am as powerful as the burning sun.
     I am as brave as the cobra standing tall.
     I am as brilliant as a gold carriage glinting in the sun.

     God bless me,
     I am the thing that makes you free.

     I am as strong as a bald eagle soaring high.
     I am as gentle as the lovebird's song.
     I am as beautiful as the weeping willow's sway.

     God bless me,
     I am the thing that makes you free.

     Call me and I'll listen.
     Listen and I'll call.
     I echo through the mountains.
     I whisper through the fields.
     I sing through the river.
     I yell across the hills.
     Wherever you go
     Whatever you see
     There will always be at least
     A little bit of me.

     I am America
     The proudest of them all. 

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