Long Island Sound
Emma Lazarus, who is best known for her poem about the Statue of Liberty (The New Colossus), was also a nature lover. She began today's poem about Long Island Sound with a look into the past ("I see it as it looked ... in August"), reminding us of the power of memory and reminiscence. While we wait for summer, and to return to the aspects of our lives that are on hold, these powers have become incredibly important.
Long Island Sound
by Emma Lazarus
I see it as it looked one afternoon
In August, -- by a fresh soft breeze o'erblown.
The swiftness of the tide, the light thereon,
A far-off sail, white as a crescent moon.
The shining waters with pale currents strewn,
The quiet fishing-smacks, the Eastern cove,
The semi-circle of its dark, green grove.
The luminous grasses, and the merry sun
In the grave sky; the sparkle far and wide,
Laughter of unseen children, cheerful chirp
Of crickets, and low lisp of rippling tide,
Light summer clouds fantastical as sleep
Changing unnoted while I gazed thereon.
All these fair sounds and sights I made my own.