Lady Liberty - Inspiration Thursday

The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus

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-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

As a girl I was sort of obsessed with the Statue of Liberty.  I can't quite pinpoint it, but I forged a deep connection to her story of international friendship, her message of welcome and homecoming, her beauty and grace in sweeping lines of copper.  I can vividly recall a sky blue sweatshirt emblazoned with her image that I was so keen on I wore it threadbare.  In the 8th grade I would complete the childhood dream by standing inside her crown, gazing out through that thick glass.  It wasn't really what I had expected, but was a memorable experience none the less, my visit to the Green Lady.  The Mother of Exiles. Lady Liberty.  My Lady.