I am watching from the harbor
watching for you, my
tired
poor
longing for freedom
I carry a light into this world
I cannot be unaware.

I am stepping forward,
look closely!
and behind me your chains are
broken,
trampled
gone, you are free
I hold up this flame for all to see
I cannot be still

I am listening to many voices
those in oppression invoking my name
justice!
they cry,
freedom!
they whisper in one choking breath,
liberty!
I must answer them
I cannot be silent.

you say I do not speak--
this is because I do not need words.
I have this torch, I banish darkness,
I do not need to find words for what I am saying
I cannot be ignored.

I have felt many blows
heard many curses upon me
but I would feel them all again
hear it all again
if it would guard you
I cannot be only an observer.

You are my people
you may not always lift your eyes to meet mine,
perhaps I shall not see another ship on the horizon
but I am here still,
carrying this torch,
this light,
this hope
because I must. It is my choice
my dream before I was made
to carry this light into your darkness
to hold it high,
so as you come, when you first glimpse what your heart has been crying out for
you will see it, gleaming gold as dawn breaks.
I cannot be extinguished.

and when you have not yet
to reach these shores,
in the darkness
though for away
you will see it, very faint
but growing strong in your soul
a light
a torch
a hope.
and then--

this name.

my name.

I am

liberty.