Ellis Island

I don't know which is sadder,

the empty steamer trunks, carpet bags,

and wicker baskets with leather straps,

or what was once their contents,

the belongings donated by the families

to be exhibited like this, hair brushes, 

combs, lacey handkerchiefs, bibles, jewelry, 

beer mugs, bowls, straight razors,

razor strops, hat pins, hats, shoes, vests,

a violin, a certificate of piano studies,

identity papers, shawls. I leave, imagining 

the visitors today are wearing these clothes, 

carrying these carpet bags and steamer trunks 

and wicker baskets with leather straps.

I leave, imagining myself on the stern of a ship 

nosing into Ellis Island, looking back at 

the green lady, looking back, back at the sea.