Sandy Patton’s most recent poem to appear here was “Downstairs/Upstairs” (August 2017)
Legacy 1908
By Sandy Patton
My grandparents came,
armed with only their trust
and love of God, and in one another,
seeking a safe haven.
They came aboard, nervously clutching
weathered suitcases filled with
meager possessions and passionate
dreams for a better life,
a chance to start fresh,
work for honest wages, raise a family
in this diverse and beautiful new
world where freedom reigned.
This America.
Amid a myriad of many languages,
they forged bonds, a mingling
of universal common threads—
apprehension for what lay ahead,
mixed with the thrill of anticipation
of new beginnings.
They found a measure of quiet comfort
in the sharing of personal stories of loss
with others who understood their pain,
all too well.
Each spoke of a desperate need
to escape terrible poverty,
or the heavy weight of persecution
for one’s political or religious beliefs;
many wept recalling the anguish
and heartbreak of fleeing cherished
homelands, leaving loved ones behind.
A long and arduous voyage,
facing uncertain futures,
still, I picture their smiles of joy,
feel their hearts beat fast,
hear their jubilant cheers
as their boat sailed
down the Hudson River,
passing close to Lady Liberty.
I imagine their pride
and relief feeling her
welcoming spirit embrace
them as they lifted tired eyes
to read her extraordinary
words of hope.
“Give me your tired, your poor,
your huddled masses yearning
to breathe free.”
Great way to start my day! Thanks!
Dear Murray,
I thank you so much for your sweet comment. You made MY day! Sandy
Thanks for sharing this piece with us. HGL
Dear H. Larew, thank YOU for taking time to let me know you enjoyed it. Sandy
A great legacy indeed. Thank you, Sandy, for these wonderful memories.
A few years ago we sailed by the Lady for the first time. I became so emotional. I felt as though my ancestors were all around me, hoping and praying for a new life. Priceless!
Jeanette, I felt exactly the same way. I took a short trip to NY when my daughter was a senior in high school, and we got close enough to read those famous words. I became very emotional as well. It was a feeling of honor and pride for my grandparents, thinking of 911 and simply being proud to be an American. Thanks for your words, my friend. I appreciate them so much. Sandy
Dear Bobbie, I appreciate that you took the time to comment on my poem, and especially that you enjoyed it. Thanks again. Sandy