The Voyage of Annie Moore
She stood shivering in the night
Her siblings never far from sight
The fog was hanging thick in the air
As they stood waiting saying a silent prayer
Tonight the journey will be across the ocean
On the high seas a future, stirring emotion
A new country lured them away from gloom
A place of adventure with more than enough room
The possibilities she could no longer ignore
For these were the dreams of Annie Moore
This was the night she would bid farewell
to the old country, with feelings she couldn’t quell
A seventeen-year old girl with young brothers at her side
Courage she would need to project and never hide
This Irish girl from a village on the river Lee
Called County Cork her home but yearned to be free
Blessed with the gift of the good fight
She would survive this journey in her own right
Fearless and free her future had called
Not thinking twice, her confidence unequalled
The voyage would be long with Christmas at sea
But soon to be reunited with her family
She did not need any holiday feast
Intent on battling the hunger beast
It was four long years since her parents emigrated
Leaving a young Annie and her brothers truncated
After twelve days at sea their journey complete
Their energy was low and almost deplete
The arrival was memorable as they stepped onshore
The cheering crowd at Ellis Island did welcome Annie Moore
Christine Bolton – Poetry for Healing ©
All Rights Reserved
Annie Moore, from Ireland, departed what is now Cobh, in County Cork by steamship on December 20, 1891. She was the first immigrant processed through the new Immigration Building, Ellis Island, New York on January 1, 1892. Twin statues like the one pictured here have been erected in Cobh and Ellis Island.
For more information on Annie Moore’s immigration CLICK HERE
Poetry For Healing 
Absolutely Marvellous to weave in those word prompts into such an excellent poem, that is really fantastic.
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Aww thanks Kristian! 🙂 could you tell i was just in Ireland?
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Ha ha, Now you mention it, it had that lyrical quality. Did you kiss the blarney stone? 😉
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We went to Blarney Castle but the line was so long – an hour wait – to kiss the stone. I always thought it was for good luck but evidently it is for eloquence. I’m hoping I have enough! LOL 😊
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You have plenty. I didn’t kiss the stone either when I went because I’m scared of heights and the thought of dangling backwards over the edge of the castle with someone holding my feet didn’t sound such a great idea. Also I already talk too much…. 🙂
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Yes!! I didn’t think my back would hold up 😬
I didn’t mind missing it. Thanks for your kind words Kristian.
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🙂
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Wow! I just loved the rhythm you used to tell the story!
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Thank you so much! You are always so kind 😊
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I enjoy reading your writing.
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😊
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This is so wonderfully written Christine.
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Thank you, as always. You’re so kind 😊
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I love this, Christine. Brava!
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Thank you so much! I enjoyed being her for a while 😊
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😉
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How interesting! I loved the poem and the story behind it. The similarities are there between our stories. The search for freedom and a better life is the desire of all immigrants.
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Yes! My heart goes out to all who wish for a better life 🙂
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Lovely!
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Thank you Luisa. I was recently in Ireland and the story inspired me to write the poem.
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🌼
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