This is the story behind the writing of the poem, Lady Of The Bayou.
I had been contacted to write something for this book, Best Poets & Poems of 2005. So I decided to send what I had written for New Orleans right when the flooding was going on. It was so hard to watch what was happening there. It was heart wrenching. As New Orleans was being covered with flood water there was a music fest going on in Rockford & my brother came by to say I had to go hear Sonny Landreth who was playing there. I wasn't familiar with him but I decided to go ahead, since watching all the footage of New Orleans was tearing me up. It turned out that Sonny's home is in southern LA. and what I heard that evening was outstanding. I kept hearing that music as I started writing for New Orleans the next day. If you ever have a chance to go listen to Sonny play, do it, you won't be sorry. Hearing him during that time had a lot to do with the way Lady Of The Bayou turned out. Dedicated to a much loved city & written while listening to Sonny Landreth.
Lady Of The Bayou
Katrina flew ashore like a wild bird of prey
devouring the coast and all in it's way.
Waves of fury claimed the land as it's own
breaching the levees of New Orleans town...
lady of the bayou and jewel of the south.
All came to pass as it was foretold
many, oh so many years ago.
Engulfed in a deadly and toxic brew,
what will we find as we uncover you,
lady of the bayou and jewel of the south?
What will we do to protect her now
when her wetlands surrounding are losing ground?
What will we build against the onslaught of waves
when her natural defence has been washed away?
What will we do to ensure each day is safe
in our lady of the bayou and jewel of the south?
These days, my hearts wanderin' down Louisiana way,
these days, memories are what I keep safe.
Her story's far from over and it's still being told
'bout how nothing of this world could destroy
New Orleans soul...
lady of the bayou and jewel of the south.
Lisbeth Hill