When talking with a stranger
he said he felt my pain
cause years before Katrina
he lost his house in flames.
I thanked the man with half a smile
for all his kind words,
but pardon me for saying sir
the comparison is absurd.
When you lost your precious home
in that horrible burning flare
I know that you will tell me
that all your friends were there.
To say that I had help
was further from the truth
You see all my friends
had water to their roofs.
And let ask you sir,
when you finally did rebound,
the community you
loved so much.....
was it still around?
Your church, your grocery
the guy who cuts your hair...
I'll bet when you moved back,
all of it was there.
You see, everything dear to me
that I loved the most
is history forever
and my community is a Ghost.
Just a small dinner out
in yes...a brand new place
my wife and I always look
for a familiar face.
We know we won't see one
as we have our meal alone...
cause all of these faces
have also found new homes.
I thanked him anyway
as we passed on our goodbyes
but I know he could tell
by the defeat in my eyes,
That so small will be,
his story of tragedy
after the long lecture
that he received from me.
I hope he thinks of me
as he's washing his new car
and says hello to his neighbor,
who's gardening from afar.
And when he sits in church
and looks from left to right
he'll nod to all of his friends
that he's know all his life.
So carry on dear Sir
with your neighbors and your friends
and pray for everyone
that this never happens again.
Cause all us from St. Bernard
who are still in a delicate state,
if another storm heads our way
It'll be more than we could take.
-Author Unknown: 70043
St Bernard Louisiana will always be home no matter where i live
