Second Generation: New York

Mama
Remembers the four-leaf clover 
And the bright blue Irish sky.

I
Remember the East River Parkway 
And the tug boats passing by.

I
Remember Third Avenue
And the el trains overhead,
And our one window sill geranium 
Blooming red.

Mama
Remembers Ireland.
All I remember is here—
And it's dear!

Papa
Remembers Poland,
Sleighs in the wintertime, 
T'all snow-covered fir trees, 
And faces frosty with rime.

Papa
Remembers pogroms
And the ghetto's ugly days. 
I remember Vocational High, 
Park concerts, 
Theatre Guild plays.

Papa
Remembers Poland.
All I remember is here—
   This house,
   This street,
   This city— 
And they're dear!