The New Colossus - Emma Lazarus

The New Colossus
(Sonett auf dem Sockel der New Yorker Freiheitsstatue)

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

"Keep ancient lands your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these the homeless tempest-tossed to me.
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"