immigration

Community by poemelfFebruary 5, 2021April 26, 2021

ESL series, part five: Lin, Jenny, and Natalia

On the final day of the ESL series, I’m happy to share a picture of the Chicago students meeting on Zoom (a few were absent). What a wonderful group! I thank each one of them for sharing their stories, hopes and struggles openly and honestly. You’ve given me (and surely my readers) cause for […]

Seamus Heaney by poemelfJune 20, 2018June 21, 2018

Gold to silver, doors to fences

My eighth grade year was the Bicentennial year, and to celebrate our class put on a play. Our ever-enthusiastic music teacher Mrs. Enright put together a musical revue of U.S. history. The only part of the play I remember was singing the give-me-your-tired-your-poor portion of Emma Lazarus’ “New Colossus.” I can still sing it today, […]