In a recent episode, Mrs. Walton enrolls in an American Studies class at the local college. All seven of her children are grown and though her nest is still far from empty, she misses being needed and hungers to learn. She is met with a condescending Professor who suggests, “She transfer to Home Economics,” where she would be better suited. Standing her ground, she is sneeringly singled out in class to offer her “limited” insight on the Statue of Liberty. Supplying the correct answer, the professor suggests she locate and share a copy of the poem engraved at the base of the Statue of Liberty. Much to the Professor’s chagrin, Mrs. Walton offers instead to recite the poem and does so beautifully!
As she recited, I began to think, “Haven’t I learned this?” “Surely, I know this poem, but have not retained it.” Admittedly, I also no longer have the Constitution or the Declaration of Independence memorized after having recited both back in Grade School. I recall having to memorize and recite Gettysburg Address as well. I know some Bible verses by heart, although I cannot tell you exactly where all are located nor dictate them word for word. I have learned many lessons in the past forty-plus years and am in line to learn many more!
In writing this, I intended to do as Mrs. Walton was assigned and offer my own personalization of the poem. Then, I pondered the implied “waste” of memorizing or studying but not retaining all the crumbs in slice of knowledge I have eaten. Of course, I also visited the obvious: “Never judge or underestimate another.” I wrestled with the topics of patriotism and this Great Land in which we reside. After all, we are talking about the Statue of Liberty. In all these topics, I was well intentioned and adequately prepared.
Alternatively, I find myself standing on the Ellis Island of my mind and looking out on the sea of knowledge which I have sailed and will sail. Gazing at a setting sun of past mistakes and consequences, knowing the sun will rise again tomorrow on the same horizon of today and offer opportunity to learn and grow. Similarly, I admit my relationships with God, family and friends has been threatened when I stray from the good path but grows stronger as I return readily and lovingly…I am a bit battle bruised and weary but a bit more humble and wiser.
Despite that I cannot quote you word for word from the Bible or Constitution, I know that God’s message is love and that America is indeed “One Nation Under God.” Denominational and religious preference aside, I offer a solution nay, a resolution for each of us to live by. Perhaps, if we all took to heart more often and strived to help one individual at a time, we may not accomplish great feats, but then again…
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!"
Emma Lazarus’ sonnet New Colossus
As she recited, I began to think, “Haven’t I learned this?” “Surely, I know this poem, but have not retained it.” Admittedly, I also no longer have the Constitution or the Declaration of Independence memorized after having recited both back in Grade School. I recall having to memorize and recite Gettysburg Address as well. I know some Bible verses by heart, although I cannot tell you exactly where all are located nor dictate them word for word. I have learned many lessons in the past forty-plus years and am in line to learn many more!
In writing this, I intended to do as Mrs. Walton was assigned and offer my own personalization of the poem. Then, I pondered the implied “waste” of memorizing or studying but not retaining all the crumbs in slice of knowledge I have eaten. Of course, I also visited the obvious: “Never judge or underestimate another.” I wrestled with the topics of patriotism and this Great Land in which we reside. After all, we are talking about the Statue of Liberty. In all these topics, I was well intentioned and adequately prepared.
Alternatively, I find myself standing on the Ellis Island of my mind and looking out on the sea of knowledge which I have sailed and will sail. Gazing at a setting sun of past mistakes and consequences, knowing the sun will rise again tomorrow on the same horizon of today and offer opportunity to learn and grow. Similarly, I admit my relationships with God, family and friends has been threatened when I stray from the good path but grows stronger as I return readily and lovingly…I am a bit battle bruised and weary but a bit more humble and wiser.
Despite that I cannot quote you word for word from the Bible or Constitution, I know that God’s message is love and that America is indeed “One Nation Under God.” Denominational and religious preference aside, I offer a solution nay, a resolution for each of us to live by. Perhaps, if we all took to heart more often and strived to help one individual at a time, we may not accomplish great feats, but then again…
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!"
Emma Lazarus’ sonnet New Colossus