Those ships that rode the ocean waves
And carried freedmen, foes and slaves
To this wild land across the sea
Did in the end find liberty.
This journey took full many years
Filled with great loss, a trillion tears
When most began their hopeful trek
From faraway on wooden deck.
We here today may look about
And view their voyage with no doubt
It took true courage which they had
To build this nation, good and bad !
Claire V. Bogdanos 