Synthesis Activity

America

BY CLAUDE MCKAY

Although she feeds me bread of bitterness, 

And sinks into my throat her tiger’s tooth, 

Stealing my breath of life, I will confess 

I love this cultured hell that tests my youth. 

Her vigor flows like tides into my blood, 

Giving me strength erect against her hate, 

Her bigness sweeps my being like a flood. 

Yet, as a rebel fronts a king in state, 

I stand within her walls with not a shred 

Of terror, malice, not a word of jeer. 

Darkly I gaze into the days ahead, 

And see her might and granite wonders there, 

Beneath the touch of Time’s unerring hand, 

Like priceless treasures sinking in the sand.

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-tossed to me, 

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” 

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