In Her Footsteps (Challenge won by all who entered)

Challenge Description: write about someone who changed your life for the better somehow, was it a teacher? A grandparent? a stranger? a friend? How did they change your life, and are they still a part of it now? In Her Footsteps She watched from off the moving deck, a lady with a flame Held high above to welcome all who ventured forth and came With little shoe she stepped upon the Ellis Island pier A friendly smile could not erase a child’s falling tear  A little girl in German braids and crystal eyes of blue Stepped onto Ellis Island to begin a life anew With hand wrapped tightly in her mother’s, shielding her from harm A doll of painted porcelain clutched tightly in her arm The story of an immigrant, a shipping list depicts She stepped on Ellis island at the tender age of six No log records the heartache of their having left behind A brother and a sister still so vivid in her mind A strange and different life before her wondering eyes unfurled She stepped on Ellis Island and she saw a different world Though pain of separation would in time leave sorrow’s scar Of two she loved in childhood, now memories from afar She grew and raised a family, but closed the painful door Of what had passed before she stepped on Ellis Island’s shore She faced adversity with strength, and hardship without fear From the moment that she took a step off Ellis Island’s pier Her courage shown throughout her life were lessons duly taught To a daughter so inspired by the battles she had fought A teenager without a home, I stand and gaze in awe At diplomas with her name engraved that hang upon my wall The untold story missing from the written history’s page Of a little girl who once had stood on Ellis Island’s stage The truth about her living pain, no history book depicts Of a lovely girl who came here at the tender age of six My Mother -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Written February 21st, 2002 © on Feb 20 2002 11:23 PM PST   0 • 8