City of New Orleans
I knew this storm was going to be different from previous hurricanes. I could feel in my gut that New Orleans would never be the same. I foresaw awesome devastation. I hoped I was wrong but knew that wasn't possible.
Nothing against Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee or Florida but New Orleans is part of our cultural legacy. Part of our cultural future...Home to music, art and theater.
And it is all lost. Forever. An entire city vanished like some sick voodoo trick.
Thousands dead and millions of displaced. History washed away. Beautiful cities destroyed.
I'm nauseous. Deep breath.
I have always been fascinated by the New orleans tradition of the funeral march. As the coffin is carried through the streets a band plays somber, melancholy music. After depositing the coffin the band kicks in and plays raucous Dixieland. It's their way to celebrate life rather than mourn death. Literally, laissez les bons temps rouler!
The residents of New Orleans celebrate each day like it's their last. Mardi Gras is the embodiment of that belief. On Bourbon Street every day is Tuesday.
I can only think that it will be a while before we party in the French Quarter.
I don't know how to proceed. I don't know what we're going to do. I don't know if we should.
New Orleans was doomed the day the French built the levee's. By re-routing the Mississippi, in an attempt to prevent flooding of farmlands, they started a slow erosion of the outer banks which had historically protected the area. Further, the river deposited fresh silt. The city is built on very loose soil. Over the last hundred years the literal weight of the city has sunk the land to below sea level.
Smarter minds will ponder this for many years. In the meantime we all need to help. Do our part.
American Red Cross (800) HELP NOW (435-7669) English; (800) 257-7575 Spanish
Operation Blessing (800) 436-6348
America's Second Harvest (800) 344-8070
The worst part of the hurricane is yet to come. Disease and famine are going to be rampant. Where are the millions of people going to live? Where are they going to work? How will they get medical attention? Another small issue are the wild animals, like snakes and alligators, that have already moved in to their old stomping grounds.
Something this big is not going to be easy but today, in our best New Orleans fashion, we can mourn the loss but must look forward to tomorrow.
Currently I'm listening to Seasick on Land from the album "Out of the Shadow" by Rogue Wave
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