Even Now

Sometimes, when I am alone in the quiet of the early morning, I can hear New Orleans calling to me. Her soft whisper and perfume come to me on a wayward breeze. She is still sad.. pining for her lost ones that lay forgotten in the rubble. Yes, she is sad but she is a powerful lady and her grief has made her stronger... stronger than hate, stronger than ignorance, stronger than beaurocracy. She promises me she will rise better and more beautiful. Here in the morning mists, I tell her she is already more beautiful with her scars and lines of worry. She is majestic and calm... waiting and listening to the sound of the night birds and the rushing waters of the Mississipppi. She also listens for your prayer... for your benediction and your hope. She listens for your arrival and longs for the touch of your heart and your hands. You are the answer to her prayers and to her hopes for her people. See her for yourself, let her in... give yourself to the journey... pray for her, hope for her, never forget... I can't... even now.