They came with nothing, crossed the sea to seek

A better life they heard was waiting there.

The streets were paved with gold, they heard, not bleak

And barren futures faced should they stay. There

The land was plenty, fertile, rich, and free

For the asking. Abundance awaited,

Paradise for all, it was said. A tree

Of life, it was said. But they found gated

Walls, hostile natives, unfriendly faces

And words, anger at their appearance. Hard

They worked to fit in, but only scant traces

Of acceptance met them. Their false reward

For sacrifice to gain that better way

Was barriers. Is barriers, still. Today.