I met Katrina the other day in my home state of Mississippi. Been here on the Gulf coast since Sunday. As we drove down Biloxi streets eyeballing the aftermath of Katrina still almost 3 years later I began to well up in sadness. The hairs on my arms stood up as I felt myself getting angry. Angry that I didnt do whatever it took to get down here sooner and help, give a hand to someone that needed it, help build a house, or for God sakes just sit and be a listening ear for some of these children that want so desperately to just tell their story. 'You're here now' a small voice echoes from some unknown place inside my head. 'You're here now." But what really...can any of us that descend from our homes, cars, and lives of comfort...offer. I don't have the answer. In fact, as I facilitated a discussion at the Biloxi community center yesterday with locals and city officials ...I realized mid way through that all I could offer were more questions. Yet another suggestion to the list of 100 they already had. And suddenly my body felt helpless. I felt like crying but held it together because I feared that they would all look at me and say 'What are you crying for, you don't even live here.' Helplessness is such an awful emotion isnt it? As we embark on the last day here I can't help but wonder how/when/ I can come back and what can I do. The answer may be in the word...the spoken and creative word I've come to love so much over the years. Come back and help the children/and elders/and mamas/ and papas/ just write their stories/ sing their songs and maybe ...just maybe that will do some good.
I started a little poem on my page's blog. I wont post here as this is already too long...just wanted to share with some folks I know will understand. Luv Sha
Word. Looking forward to it-- umm... the visit, not so much you shitting in my living room. But you know, we'll talk. Looking forward to hearing Aby's album!
not a comment, but a public apology... for missing the last 2 OB shows in Winona. i swear to gosh that it was the weather (a blizzard and then the rain/wind/high water). living on an island with a bike is glorious, but missing your shows because of it is frustrating. i hope it went well, and that you'll return on some beautiful evening.
and I quote "shit in my toilet"? well I will just assume you are speaking in code and respond like this...baby anything you got dark brown for me you can put anywhere. I'll be there in the end of Aug. Miss your black ass
Hey remember when we talked about setting up a little island tour/vacation? Damn....I'm here now and you're not. Seriously, something wrong with this scenario. Aloha:)
Hosted By: Tru Ruts / Smokesignyl Productions When: Friday Mar 28, 2008 at 8:00 PM Where: The Varsity Theater 1308 4th St SE Dinkytown, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414 United States Description: Featuring members of Leroy Smokes as a band and an all star cast of well known twin cities reggae, dancehall and latin artists. You can’t miss this show.
When are we gonna feast on fried chicken and waffles with hot sauce and greens , oatmeal and tator tot hot dish with extra tunas with a tall glass of Kool-Aid with oranges in it..
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