Do You Know What It Means?
by
That is the title of the first “Treme” episode. The series that starts tonight. All of New Orleans is hyped about it. And we hope it doesn’t disappoint us.
In my hotel room in Arkansas in the early post-Katrina days, my mind keep playing Louis Armstrong’s song “Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans.” My mind wasn’t the only one fixated on that song. It became the City’s unofficial anthem for while.
And five years later, things are more or less back to life without thought of Katrina. Her scar will always be there, but it is no longer on the front of our collective brain.
Today, we went to the French Quarter Fest. A most typical New Orleanian activity. We ate brisket from Tujaque’s and had snowballs from Plum Street. We listened to Jazz at the Louis Armstrong stage and saw art in Pirate’s Alley next to the Cathedral and we heard the whistles blow from the boats on the river.
While waiting for a friend to meet us, I walked Sun to the rail of the Moonwalk to see the Mighty Mississippi. She watched cargo ships and barges go by. She couldn’t take her eyes off of the river’s roiling muddy waters. When our friend showed up and it was time to head to Jackson Square, we had to pry Sun away from the rail, with her wailing all the while.
“I know, Sun, I know. That ole river is in your soul, isn’t it? Don’t worry,” I told her, “It’s always here for you and you’ll see it again soon.” Soothed, she allowed herself to be taken away from the river.
Even a going-on-three child Knows What It Means.
It’s really been five years? Wow… it doesn’t seem like that much time has passed.
.-= Tara R.´s last blog ..Weekly Winners ~ flora and feathers =-.
That song has always popped into my head from time to time, ever since I last lived in NOLA in 1985. I never could find a job there, so had to settle for frequent visits. I so wish I had HBO; I hope they put the episodes on iTunes so I at least eventually get to view the show.
.-= saintseester´s last blog ..Implosion =-.
Sigh.
Yes, I know.