I saw a photograph of her years ago, stately, beckoning.

I knew she was so much older than me

And that many people, men as well as women had loved

Her beauty as much as I did now. She seemed to symbolise

Everything I ever wanted. I was in love, I was mesmerised.

 

She was so far away. So for many years I could by dream

Of being with her, my heart ached and my thoughts ranged

To the day when I would say, “It’s me my lady, I made it!

Would she take me in, feed me, help me and love me

Till I was ready to stand on my own, or back to England would I flee.

 

I consider myself fortunate to have met her.

I flew three thousand miles to get just a passing glimpse

And I was stunned to see that she had not changed.

Her robe covered her modesty, though all woman was she.

I thought I heard I say, “Welcome stranger, from across the sea.”

 

I found myself having a chat whilst others just stood and stared.

Cameras all around, flashing, taking a small piece of her

But I got my chance, one special time, now so long ago

I don’t know if I will see her again, what with world senility,

But please keep the flame alive for me, my lady liberty.

Ian D. Hall

First published in Searching For An Answer, 2003.