Oma's Poem
I know a place with a remarkable story
One of poverty, sorrow, undeniable glory
A woman with nothing but her husband and child
With hopes that a boat would bring a lifetime of smiles
The City of Angels did exactly that
Giving a chance to a family born of combat
I know a place of memories unseen
With cracks so deep you could see inbetween
To the union and dissolution, death and new life
Sun bleached eaves and feasts every night
Grass that shimmered green but faded to brown
A place that housed immigrants that lived off that ground
I know a place that keeps it’s gates open
Somewhere neighbors and family could come and be broken
A home for the sick, and a home for the poor
There was space for anyone if you walked through the door
I know this place, it’s my grandmother’s house
Her spirit remains, but it’s quiet as a mouse
I cling to the echo of this home that’s been granted
And I take peace in knowing it’s from seeds that she planted