Liberty’s Voice
Emma Lazarus’ poem, “The New Colossus” became forever connected with the Statue of Liberty. Another wonderful true story of one who followed her heart, no matter what.
She overcame the barriers of her day and became one of the leading poets of the nineteenth century. She helped impoverished and poor immigrants of Eastern Europe.
She was inspired by the writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson. She ended up meeting him and he became a friend and mentor.
We all completely enjoyed this one too!
The New Colossus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
