Poetry About Ellis Island

Suitcases gather beneath the vaulted ceiling. A doctor watches each arrival climb the stairs. Names bend inside an interpreters hearing. Across the harbor, copper liberty stands small. Families carry whole villages in their pockets. The new world begins with waiting in a line.

Look again from the quieter edge. A doctor watches each arrival climb the stairs. A smaller detail changes the whole scene. Across the harbor, copper liberty stands small. Attention loosens the first easy answer. The new world begins with waiting in a line.

Suitcases gather beneath the vaulted ceiling. Hours pass, but the image does not leave. Names bend inside an interpreters hearing. It returns us to immigration, inspection, names, hope, fear, family histories, and arrival beneath the New York skyline. Families carry whole villages in their pockets. The day continues with a more attentive heart.