Emma Lazarus

Emma Lazarus (July 22, 1849 - November 10, 1887) was a American poet. She is best known for her sonnet "The New Colossus", written on November 2, 1883

''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-tost to me,

''I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

In 1903, the sonnet was engraved on a bronze tablet and placed inside the base of the Statue of Liberty.