Summer in the French Quarter

A mixture of wisteria with horse manure.

The sweet smells of a summer night;

Walking down Royal Street in the twilight heat.

Feet hitting the banquet with slowed rhythm.

Drumming out a call to your ancestors

“I’ve returned to hear your message

To learn your story

To remember

To feel.”

Close your eyes, allow your mind to revisit 1824.

Listen to the sounds of horse hooves

On cobble stones echoing the voices

From the past: “Marie-Renee

Come see, cher bring me

That plate

of tomatoes.”

Open your eyes to the sight of vine-covered garden walls.

Monogrammed wrought iron balcony grill-work

Buildings of plastered brick

Galleries, fire walls,

Pirates Alley,

Cathedral Garden,

Wishing gates.

In the heat of the night, we inhale the memories,

The senses remember and embrace the history:

A history that echoes

“Come back,

Return,

Remember.”

July 1, 2002

Rosalynn Rizzo-Moore

Images:

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