The Emerald City
Somewhere under the rainbow
the Emerald City gleams
I've been there many times before
and still go there in dreams
With towers tall that touch the sky
many wondrous things to see
I'll show them all to you, my dear
take my hand and come with me
Somewhere under the rainbow
that sparkling city shines
Where people help their fellow man
and treat each other kind
I gaze across the Hudson
see the towers standing tall
it sometimes it makes me wonder
why when closer I feel small
— Laura Josselyn © 2001
NOTE from Laura: This poem is dedicated to all of the members of the New York City
Fire Department, and to my father, Salvatore Pilato “Rocky” who passed away last year.
My father was a NYC Fire Marshal, a NYC Fireman, a lifelong Honorary Chief of the
NYC Volunteer Fire Department and a member of the Emerald Society. He served this
country in both the US Air Force and the US Navy. He showed me, as well as my brothers
and sisters, so much about life and about our beautiful home, New York City -
the true heart of it, and it has so much heart to see. As are all New York City Firemen,
my father was a very brave man, and a shining example of a giving and heroic soul.
.