ה ד מ ע ש א י ה
ו Vehi She’ amda
New Sonnet for Lady Liberty
— after The New Colossus, Emma Lazarus( 1849-1887)
Steve Pollack
Emma’ s sonnet hails not conquering limbs Penned not on warship, by dawn’ s early light Star-spangled witness to perilous fight Welcome sings instead, not heroic hymn A bold idea, king’ s tyranny dissolve French art conceived for centennial day This copper gift graces a sea-washed door More perfect union our noble resolve.
On stone pedestal, million-dollar views My grandparents remember her mild eyes Safe port, her flaming torch does symbolize Visitors now pose in tears, hear hard news.
Mother of Exiles, you watch history Do you see borders, smell hypocrisy?
Steve Pollack was named 2025 Montgomery County( PA) Poet Laureate. His debut chapbook, L’ dor Vador – From Generation to Generation, was published by Finishing Line Press. He sings bass with Nashirah: the Jewish Chorale of Greater Philadelphia. He and Linda live in suburban Philly, where they celebrate their 57 th wedding anniversary later this year.
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