Summer is the time for vacations, picnics on the beach and reruns on the telly. For me it’s a time to meet a deadline in July for my third novel in my series entitled AS ONE MUST ONE CAN. Many thanks to those of you who responded to my plea for your favorite reruns.
Our Mantra:
Like us on Facebook
The following photo is the PROMPT. This week’s retread request is from Feivel Mousewitz Gayer. If you’re one of those who wrote a story for this prompt feel free to re-post it and enjoy the respite. Remember that all photos are private property and subject to copyright. Use other than Friday Fictioneers by permission only.
I can’t believe it’s been three years since I posted this story. 13 September 2013
I copied and pasted from the original post. But you may click the link if you want to see who said what in their comments.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
MOTHER OF EXILES
“Rachel, would you please read this sentence for us?” The English teacher’s intense gaze shot through the young woman as she pointed to the page.
This new land with its unfamiliar ways and language challenged her. She’d dreamt of freedom. Instead, New York’s Lower East Side bore much similarity to her poverty-stricken village in Moldavia.
“I try, Miss Lazarus.” Twisting and untwisting her shawl fringes, she read, “‘Ve holt dese troots’…Ikh ken nit…I cannot…”
“‘We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men’…all people…‘are created equal.’” Emma Lazarus took Rachel’s hands in hers. “You can. You will. You must.”
______________
While you may never have heard of Emma Lazarus, if you’re a U. S. citizen you’re probably familiar with, at least, a portion of her poem inside the base of the Statue of Liberty:
THE NEW COLOSSUS
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!”
To read about this amazing woman click here.
This article is only the tip of the iceberg. If you’re interested do a Google search to learn more. I did. 😉
Great story, again!
And immense poem.
Pity Mr Trump has not read it.
LikeLiked by 5 people
I doubt he would read something this meaningful and service based.
LikeLike
Dear CE,
Glad you liked my story. The poem is magnificent. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
You took the words right out of my mouth there, CE.
LikeLiked by 2 people
In which case I am confident they were totally apposite, dear lady.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He should be fired!
LikeLike
I remember this. It was a fun read.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Cuzzin Notnek,
Glad you came round for a second helping of our heaping hospitality. Thank you.
Shalom,
Cuzzin Shelley
LikeLike
I’ll be back, now. Ya hear?
LikeLike
Very hard to make an inspiring immigrant story not be mawkish. You did it
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Neil,
My novels are about Jewish immigrants. I suppose it’s where my heart is since that’s from whence I came. 😉 Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Another beautiful history vignette. Thank you for the lessons.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Loré,
Thank you for such a lovely comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great story based on historical fact, Rochelle. I’ve again learned something. Your stories are always good reading. 🙂 — Suzanne
LikeLike
Also, thanks to your husband for the great picture prompt this week. 🙂 — Suzanne
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Suzanne,
Thank you from both of us. One of these days I’ll have to get back to writing new stories. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
A wonderful story. I had no idea about this. (I love how you had the teacher insert ‘all people’ after ‘all men’ – let’s hope that future declarations / national statements say ‘people’.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Claire,
I’ve been told that my stories are full of strong women. Perhaps there’s a reason for that. 😉 Thank you for such a lovely comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
An early draft of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights said “All men” but the women on the committee managed to get them to change it to “all people”.
LikeLiked by 2 people
History and herstory too! Thank you for the reminder.
This poem always moves me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Emmy,
She was an amazing woman and the poem…well, too bad it isn’t our pledge. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Really like this one. It’s an unusual view of the statue, almost ironic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear J Hardy,
Ironic indeed. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Besides the obvious lesson in the story, there is the story of a dedicated teacher. “You can. You will. You must.” Love it. I took this picture from a ferry during my cross country Harley ride while visiting one of our sons. I reflected on our country during that entire trip and specifically this symbol. As Rochelle’s story shows, it inspired many others also. Good job.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed reading this, plus learning about Emma Lazarus
LikeLike
Thank you, Michael. I’m glad you did. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
A lovely story, Rochelle. I didn’t remember this one, but maybe that’s because I don’t think I took part the last time this prompt was run. And I enjoyed reading the poem again too. Great piece.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Sandra,
I’m glad you were able to drop by with your internet challenges. And of course I’m always happy to read nice things about my writing. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes.. this was a great reminder. Actually one of my favorite images as well. I think a lot has changed for those protective of the things they have… maybe she is seen as a guardian against the hoards that’s coming instead.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Björn,
It’s hard to say what’s what these days. I’m glad you took the time to read and comment on my story. Always appreciated. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
How terrifying it must have been for immigrants – to have to journey so far and so long, to leave all you’re familiar with behind, to come to a new country that’s so unfamiliar, so different if you’re from a rural location going to a huge metropolis.
Brave, adventurous souls – modern pioneers for their people.
A great story, Rochelle and such a fantastic and admirable woman – the wonderfully named Emma Lazarus.
Inspiring stuff 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Lynn,
I can’t imagine picking up and leaving to live in a new country where I didn’t know the language. It had to be a daunting experience. This segment of Jewish society intrigues me most because therein lie my own roots. My grandfather came from Poland at the turn of the century as a youth. Alas, I never asked the questions, although I’m not sure he would have been forthcoming with the answers. So I seek my history in stories like these.
Thank you for your wonderful comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t it a shame that we fail to ask the questions as young people that we crave to know the answers to when we’re older? All of the things I could have asked my grandparents – about working as servants in a big country house, working in a brewery, fire watching and driving an ambulance during the London Blitz. So many things I’d be fascinated to hear now I never asked while they were alive. I’m glad you have your writing through which you can explore the past – it must enable you to feel closer to your grandfather.
Someone was telling me how wonderful your books were the other day, by the way. I just thought I should pass that on 🙂
Best wishes, Lynn
LikeLike
Ah, that last comment, of course, is music to my eyes. Feel free to pass it on. 😉
I once wrote a story called Smiling Sam. It’s in my anthology. Perhaps I’ll share it on my blog soon.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I shall pass it on – with pleasure 🙂 I’ll look out for Smiling Sam and look forward to reading it.
Best wishes, Lynn
LikeLike
I missed this first time around, Rochelle, and I’m so glad you brought it back to us, because your story is magnificent, and so apt for our current times. I have never been to the Statue of Liberty, having only spent a couple of days in NYC once, in September 2001, but it strikes me a few of your countrymen and women should be sent on compulsory educational visits pronto!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Jen,
I went to Ellis Island with my cousin in 1999. It’s sobering to see my old photos with the Twin Towers in the background. Standing in the now empty Big Hall, I could imagine my grandparents there.
Glad you enjoyed the story and amen to the compulsory education. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I think it must be so difficult to live in a country where everyone around speaks a different language to you. No matter how well one learns the language, it must be a relief to return to one’s homeland and listen to the native tongue.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Clare,
I can only imagine. Yet, my grandparents on both sides of my family were immigrants. Thank you for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
It reminds me of how hard drastic change always is
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Larry,
I can only imagine.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Dear Twinkle-toes,
We could sure use some teachers like that here in Arkansas. That’s a beautiful poem. She asked for the world’s refuse and Germany donated my ancestors. I bet they were glad to get rid of our kind. 🙂
Best regards
Feivel Halfwitz
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Feivel Halfwitz,
Be careful what you wish for, eh? I love the poem and the story behind the woman. It it possible for people in Arkansas to learn English? Thanks for swinging by. Will we see you at OWL?
Shalom,
Twinkle-Toes
LikeLike
The poem is magnificent and you did a great job of putting it’s meaning into your story. I think these days too few Americans are familiar with the poem, even the part that is repeated most often.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Trent,
I dare say that most Americans never heard of Emma Lazarus and perhaps know the last couple of lines. On the other hand, these days, I’m not so sure.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Listening to a certain major party candidate for president (He Who Shall Remain Nameless), I’m also not so sure if American’s remember those last couple of lines…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful and timely history lesson and poem. I know we’re not supposed to be political here but things being said at the Republican National Convention are really starting to worry me a little. I hope more people can look to this woman and people like her and like our lovely statue of liberty. It gives one hope. We can. We must. Peace, Anne
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Anne,
Without waxing political,I’ll confess that I’m scared to pieces. Thank you for your kind words for my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful Rochelle!
I had similar thoughts when I saw the photo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks, Sabina. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Great story! I’m familiar with Emma Lazarus thanks to your original posting 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Ali,
Happy to have brought her to your attention twice. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am not familiar with Emma, but I will be now. Thanks for the introduction and I love the story you created about her! Well crafted!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Stomperdad. Glad you liked it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
This is wonderful–and so timely.This should be compulsory readign for certain candidates…
A history lesson at its best, I’m glad I learned abut Emma Lazarus now.
I didn’t know we aren’t supposed to be political. I can’t get my head away from politics these days and am afraid that shows in my writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Gabriele,
Politics are disturbing and hard to avoid these days. At any rate, I’m glad you like my story.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
This brought tears to my eyes.
Once more, Rochelle, you’ve struck a deep chord in me.
Love,
Vijaya
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Vijaya,
A wonderful thing for an author to hear…especially from a fellow writer. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure!
LikeLike
i used to live in brooklyn but didn’t get to see the statue of liberty. funny, it was only when my mother came to visit that i found the time. ah, some things… we just take them for granted. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Plaridel,
I think it’s that way for residents of every city. We have some interesting museums and monuments in Kansas City that I’ve been to only a very few times. Thank you for coming by to check out the FF sites. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
After reading your piece, I felt a little ashamed of mine. I want Lady Liberty to always represent a welcome and acceptance. I haven’t lost hope despite my words this week.
Thank you for the reminder Rochelle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Tracey,
I’m happy to hear you haven’t lost your hope. It’s hard to hold onto these days. If it weren’t for immigration I wouldn’t be here. 😉
Thank you and shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Me neither. Oh that’s right … Everyone in the US is an immigrant unless you are one a Native American. Oh how quickly some forget. Let’s keep the faith and hope alive.
Tracey
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well told, what an amazing poem
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Laurie. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always love the history that you teach us–thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jan. I don’t get tired of comments like these either. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Great sympathy in here, teaching us all tolerance. Brilliant again Rochelle
LikeLike
Thank you, Micheal. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve learned another little piece of history from your story. Lovely. Fascinating.
LikeLike
Thank you, Margaret. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
All immigrants should learn the language and customs of their adopted country.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Liz,
I couldn’t agree more. Thank you for sailing by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
we need more of such stories
http://obliqview.blogspot.in/2016/07/set-off-prompt-jan-wayne-fields-old-man.html
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Arora,
We need more of such people. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
An inspiring story–thanks for reminding us of its historical context!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Emily. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I began to remember I had read this before when I got about half way through. The ending is such a powerful line it was coming back to me even as I read it and just as before, it gave me goosebumps. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear JWD,
Goosebumps are good the second time around. 😉 Thank you very much for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I was waiting for “mean” but got “kindness” instead. Thank you for pointing out how lovely people can be.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Alicia,
It’s a pity that Miss Lazarus died so young. There’s not enough kindness in the world, is there? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is such a timely prompt with the focus on immigration in our country (and elsewhere). Where would we be if people did not try and gave up? Certainly, we would not be the country we are today. Wonderful story, Rochelle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Amy,
Timely indeed. People need to revisit history. We don’t seem to be learning from it, do we? At any rate, thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great story and truly a poem for our times. These were the people who made your nation. Unfortunately the tired and hungry are not in demand these days.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Subroto,
There’s much to be said, and nothing left to say. Thank you for your comments and i’m glad you liked my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I love the way you teach me history!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always happy to teach, Dawn. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person