House Bill 1356

AN ACT TO DESIGNATE "MEET MY MISSISSIPPI" AS THE OFFICIAL POEM OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

WHEREAS, the promotion of the best interest of the State of Mississippi requires that the state have an officially recognized poem that will instill pride in all Mississippians and that will give rise to positive connotations in the minds of all who recite or hear the official state poem; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature desires to recognize as the official poem of the State of Mississippi the words of "Meet My Mississippi," written by Patricia Neely-Dorsey, which are:

Faulkner's Sanctuary

Eudora's home state

Elvis' birthplace

The bulk of the Trace;

Sprawling beaches

Along the Gulf Coast shore

One blues man's crossroads

And inspiration for more;

An abundance of history

Tradition and folklore

Warm front porch welcomes

With a wide open door;

A ride down the mighty river

On the American Queen

And some of the most

Beautiful countryside

That you've ever seen

She's music and melodies

And the mockingbird's songs,

By valor and arms

And faith ever strong;

She's magnolias blooming

Around Jackson's capitol dome

And the sweet scent of honeysuckle

That forever says "home"

She's My Mississippi

She's hospitality's face

Roll On Mississippi

You're a true State of Grace.

NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. The poem entitled "Meet My Mississippi," written by Patricia Neely-Dorsey, is designated as the official state poem of Mississippi.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2018.