The water laps at Liberty Island
Give me
Your tired
Your poor
New York bustles on the mainland
Huddled
Masses
Yearning
My friend huddles in her home
O Mother of Exiles
Lift your lamp
Amen
This is in response to this week’s W3 challenge. The italicized words are all from The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus which appears on a plaque inside the base of the Statue of Liberty. The poem is familiar and haunting.
I have a friend who is a naturalized citizen. I met her at the gym where I work and have known her for her journey as an immigrant — the trips back to her home country to see her children and to bring food; finally being able to bring her children to live here in the USA; studying, taking, and passing the citizenship exam; buying a home here.
I hadn’t seen her in a while so I asked a mutual friend about her.
“She works [at her housekeeping job] and goes straight home every day,” the friend said. “When she gets home, she cooks and eats. She has put on a lot of weight, so now that’s another reason not to come to the gym.”
I asked why, although I was pretty sure that I knew the answer.
“She’s afraid.”
I understood that also. She looks Hispanic (because she is). Her English is heavily-accented, and gets worse under pressure.
I understand her fear.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me
We have so lost our way.
Hot Dogs and Marmalade 
it would be kind for someone to tell her that if she has her citizenship, she is in no danger of being deported. It is a fallacy
This is so unfair. My heart aches for your friend and all our wonderful fellows that find themselves in the crosshairs of an evil blind man and his henchmen.
A haunting poem and a heart rending story! There is such fear and it should NOT be this way! America has lost its way!
One day I would hope to go there and see my grandparents names written, with all the others who had such high hopes
So heartbreaking ! The fear is real..
We have…thanks for the reminder Sally. (K)
“Give me your tired, your poor – and they’ll be kept that way.”
Sally, this feels so moving—your weaving of the famous lines into the present moment with your friend at home really touched me. 🙏
~David
Powerful and sad poem, Sally! It angers me that our country is doing this to good and decent people.
Yvette M Calleiro :-)http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
A very moving poem. It shouldn’t be this way.
Not the first time this has happened. Those who are citizens, either by naturalization or birth, sometimes get swept up and deported too. Frightening times.
A very moving poem. It’s so wrong that your friend should live in fear.
hi, Sally❣️
Just wanna let you know that this week’s W3, hosted by our beloved Michelle, is now live:
https://skepticskaddish.com/2025/10/01/w3-prompt-179-weave-written-weekly/
Much love,David
hi, Sally❣️
Just wanna let you know that this week’s W3, hosted by our beloved Reena, is now live:
W3 Prompt #180
Much love,David