2 Emma Lazarus Poems

Emma Lazarus was a poet who is also remembered for her work as an activist and translator. Her best-known work, ‘The New Colossus’ is inscribed on a bronze plaque at the base of the Statue of Liberty. She authored collections like Poems and Ballads of Heine and Jewish Poems and Translations. Poems in Prose was her last book. It was published in 1887.

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Overcoming Adversity

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Petrarchan Sonnet

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The New Colossus

Emma Lazarus’ ‘The New Colossus’ epitomizes the welcoming spirit of the Statue of Liberty, engraved on its pedestal to inspire millions.

‘The New Colossus’ is Emma Lazarus’ most famous poem and the one that made her name widely known. She wrote it in 1883 to raise money for the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. The poem gives the statue a welcoming voice, calling immigrants to America. While Lazarus wrote other poetry and essays, this poem stands out as her most recognized and celebrated work.

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

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Venus of the Louvre

‘Venus of the Louvre’ by Emma Lazarus describes the sights seen and emotions experienced by a narrator who is visiting the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.

Down the long hall she glistens like a star,

The foam-born mother of Love, transfixed to stone,

Yet none the less immortal, breathing on.

Time's brutal hand hath maimed but could not mar.

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