by Blair Worthington

Created on: April 09, 2011

The photograph of Ellis Island

shows many faces

some frowning, some smiling.

Remember us, say the faces;

A collection of souls

from faraway places;

Aboard vessels they journeyed across the sea,

and sought a better life for you and me.

They had high hopes and worked bone hard,

in the factories, mills and lumber yards.

By sweat of brow, and toil of hand,

they shaped and molded this homeland.

What would they say, of this land now?

Would they recognize the country that they shaped, somehow?

Could they see beneath the disrespect?

Lack of tolerance, lack of intellect?

Could they recognize the state we’re in?

Political feuds, with slanted spin?

While this remains a mystery,

I doubt they would approve of what they'd see.

Yet, the old photo tells the story,

of their fears and of their glory.

A message whispered from furrowed brow,

Remember us, sons and daughters.

Remember us, now.

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