Emma Lazarus, a nineteenth century American poet, is best remembered for her sonnet, “The New Colossus,” whose words, “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free...” are inscribed on the pedestal 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-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!’

The plaque below the sculpture reads:

“In 1883, this American poet and essayist wrote ‘The New Colossus’ to aid the Pedestal Fund Campaign. Twenty years later her sonnet was cast in bronze and placed inside the statue's pedestal. “Give me your tired, your poor, ...”

Donated by, Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Rogoway, Phillip Ratner – Sculptor