MY LOVE SONG TO AMERICA; TED HIRSCHFIELD CAME TO THE UNITED STATES FROM PRUSSIA IN 1951 WHEN HE WAS 10 YEARS OLD

Ted Hirschfield is assistant professor of English at Southeast Missouri State University. His published works include the collection of poems, "Human Weather." A new collection focusing on World War II, "German Requiem," will be published this winter.

Being met at the wharf in New York by a waiting car, limousine service to freedom, a cheap, cardboard suitcase in my hand.

That is America.

And the freeways of hope to other states, without checkpoints, without changing identities, without the cold stare of officials, from coast to coast, just you at your own speed.

That is America.

And taken to a department store, and fitted out from head to toe, a coat of many colors in plaid, a coonskin cap, real leather shoes; all free, without charge and given freely without second thoughts.

Let freedom ring.

And the flash cards held by teachers after school, the great volunteer heart of America, teaching me the language in pictures and slow, halting words.

That is America.

A nickel for a whole pack of Wrigley's gum and I ran out of the dime store, thinking I had cheated them.

Oh, land of second and third and infinite chances.

The quick and open and unthinking smile of strangers. And being sworn in by Dwight Eisenhower in Chicago as a newly-minted citizen, bright and happy as a penny. And encouraged to do better without punishment: money for college, money for books, money for free time.

That is America.

And the great, patient heart of America which claims all and hugs you closer to herself in your distresses. Here, failure is opportunity, the poor live like kings in other countries, the helpless are carried without charge, the strong serve the weak, the small humble the arrogant.

I remember a surgeon changing my tire, refusing my help, his wife complaining about his hands, in Illinois.

This is America. Let freedom ring!