Delores Keane - My Grandfather's Emigrant Eyes
Delores Keane - My Grandfather's Emigrant Eyes
Old Ellis Island was swarming like a
scene from a costume ball.
Decked out in the colours of Europe
and on fire with the hope of it all.
There my father's own father stood huddled
with the tired and the hungry and scared.
Turn of the century pilgrims
bound by the dream that they shared.
They were standing in lines just like cattle -
poked and sorted and shoved.
Some were one desk away
from sweet freedom.
....Some torn from someone they love.
Through this sprawling tower of Babel
came a young man confused and alone. Determined and bound for America,
carrying everything that he owned.
Sometimes when I look in my
grandfather's emigrant eyes -
I see that day reflected
and I can't hold my feelings inside.
I see starting with nothing and
working hard all of his life.
So don't take it for granted,
....Say grandfather's emigrant eyes.
Now he walks and stares out the window
but his eyes are still just as clear
as the day he sailed through the harbour
and came ashore on the island of tears.
My grandfather's days are numbered
but I won't let his memory die.
He gave me the gift of this country
and the look in his emigrant eyes.
Sometimes when I look in my grandfather's emigrant eyes I see that day reflected
and I can't hold my feelings inside.
I see starting with nothing and
working hard all of his life.
So don't take it for granted,
....Say grandfather's emigrant eyes.
How I gaze with pride at my children
and I marvel how quickly they've grown.
Born and raised in America -
it's the only home they've ever known.
They never knew their great grandad
or that he was determined and wise
but I hope that I've passed on his spirit
....and the look in his emigrant eyes.
Sometimes when I look in my
grandfather's emigrant eyes,
I see that day reflected,
I can't hold my feelings inside.
I see starting with nothing and
working hard all of his life,
'So don't take it for granted' .
....Say grandfather's emigrant eyes.