life’s like this on the corner
of Bourbon and Dumaine
twilight hits town
like a whore drawing a curtain
and suddenly inside is golden
and outside’s blue
it’s easy
Big Easy
eggs over easy
take it easy
all heads turn to see the Saints on TV
talk is cheap and easy too
I hear Buddy Guy’s at the House of Blues
as the 24/7 breakfast
slides onto your plate
Do you remember Kerwin James’ funeral
Man – that second line!
someone orders Flawless Geaux Girl Waffles
and a sad-eyed guy can’t stop saying
Yeah I lost a shit-load in Katrina
maybe the rush comes later
when people tired of drinking swagger in
but for now mine’s a Plain Jane
at three dollars ninety nine
here in the molten-gold inside
while the night deepens and blues-out
life’s like this on the corner
of Bourbon and Dumaine
has been since ’39
so be nice or leave…
Author notes
Mairi bheag nan Oran (Little Mary of the Songs)
With apologies to the residents of New Orleans - I am tinkering about with something familiar to you.
In a list
A contest entry
- Write A poem about this picture I took.... words seem to fail me. by artis.
1000 points, ended September 4, 2008, 16 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
DISQUALIFIED FOR NO APPARENT REASON!
Comments
1 - 24 of 24
-
Madame, I am in awe.
I love this, the imagery, cadence flow, the sound of the words on my lips, congrats on the silver, to me this is gold! Beautiful is just not a big enough word to describe this, so intoxicating shal just have to do!
-
-
I feel presumptuous for writing about a city I have never visited.
-
-
the true Nawlins accent is big city accent, nearly the same as New york or Chicago, made up of the same ethnic groups melting together. Gave me a tingle up the back o da neck...
-
-
Yeah, I only heard it a couple of times.
-
-
Wonderful write, authentic accent and made even sadder by the current situation there. Congratulations on the trophy.
-
-
I have to confess that the accent is assumed - a case of osmosis actually, as someone I care deeply about lives in NO. Thank you.
-
-
I love the bits and pieces like leftovers on a cold breakfast plate,
sitting on the smooth circle of your thoughts laid out here. It was easy to digest your words, although some of them held a bit of stomach acid over the sorrows of fellowmen. Thanks for your entry. ~~Artis
-
-
... and thank you for the honour of the silver.
-
-
I got a lot out of this. Pure enjoyment and nice metaphors. Great job. Shancy.
-
-
Thank you Shancy. It's sad and ironic that, as you read the poem and as I reply, the whole city of New Orleans is deserted!
-
-
why do I even write about New Orleans? You've never stepped foot here and you write about it better than I do. I've lived here seven years and your the best New Orleanian poet I've ever heard
-
-
I think that is the greatest compliment anyone has given me about a poem. I think it comes about from knowing you, angel, from listening and absorbing.
Now, as for you, YOU are the best poet of that city that I'VE ever read. You have a phenomenal style, unlike anyone else, utterly unique. The pity is, as you said in your journal, that you haven't written for a long time. I hope you do... soon... and lots.
Love,
M
-
-
This is really "American". I'm impressed! I love the feeling of conversation.
Love,
Amera♥
-
-
It's like I always say - we did own you, until you lost your minds in 1776.
Thank you, Sis. I appreciate the visit and the comments.
-
-
"twilight hits town
like a whore drawing a curtain"
this poem is excellent...what a fun, enjoyable read, thank you
-
I'd call you a Saint
No apologies needed, you got the rouix of it. Its' unique flow and life of this city...I hope you visit one day..
-
-
I wanna be in that number.
-
-
You seem to have captured the melancholy here with a true voice.
-
-
Thank you.
-
-
Oui, oui, Tante Mairi,
this is good as good can be.
I really dig your Southern style--
and this should romp home by a mile!
Impressive stuff,
Bill
-
-
Thank you, but don't count your chickens before they're Southern fried!
-
-
Excellent imagery--Love the language used--
Great take on the picture.
Well done & Best of Luck in the contest!
-
As soon as I saw the contest, I KNEW you would pour in some magic, you didn't disappoint me.
-
-
Thanks, bro.
-
Adding your comment:
1 - 24 of 24
