Lady Liberty

112, Warren Street.
Walking in the apartment perched on the 10th floor
Looking out the panoramic corner window
Awed by the vastness in the view.
I see you again, imposing graceful
With the same green hue.
I ask
Do you remember me?
April 13, 1975, I passed in front of you.

On the ferry, a stranger holding my bag, leading to his home in Staten Island
I looked at you
The night was just falling
Your face showed sadness
Why?
I did not know then
But now I know, Saigon was falling too.

Your arm, steady, still holding the torch like a rock
You said to me, loud and clear
Hey! you skinny lad with your restless soul
Come to me, for you I stand tall
And I will help you fulfill your goal
Pursuit of knowledge
Financial independence
Incorruptible personality
Yes! I stand for them all.
I moved on, giving your words just a passing thought
Forgive me for that, I was then a little lost.

Today again, like then, the night is falling.
I am looking at you from a little higher height,
And your arms still have the same might
Your face is worried but still bright
You still stand tall but I wonder
What more do you stand for?

Then I hear a reply
Same voice, but in a whisper
A little sharp, a little crisper.
Yes! I remember you
You looked weary then, a bit weak but with strong resolve;
I see you took your opportunity, and helped yourself evolve.
Look at me now and you will find
Like that stranger's kindness, its that for what I always stood:
”America ceases to be great when America ceases to be good.”*
Now take that goodness and pass it on!
Take your restless soul, raising the torch of your core,
Pursue the world. And take it beyond my shore.

*Alexis de Tocqueville