New Orleans, My Old Friend

New Orleans you

Are a blessing

And a curse.

You with your beads

Stuck in my heel.

Your jazz

Forever in my ear.

No, I said.

Leave me in peace.

Let me live my life impervious

To your

Free. Love. Booze. Swing. Thing.

Let me keep

The straight and the narrow.

Let me live my life unchallenged

By your sweet bayou sway.

Sweet Jesus, show me your mercy.

Take this Cajun drum beat sweet rhythm heat

Off of my brain.

Good lord, show me your grace.

Take from me these Creole love sweat swaying toe-tappin feet.

I have lost my way entirely.

Because you, New Orleans, wrecked my plans

So well made

For a life unfettered by change.

If you take me, take me whole.

Drown me in the Pontchartrain.

Smother me with Spanish moss.

Take me down with a pair of dueling pianos

And a round of purple haze.

I cannot defeat you,

God knows how I've tried.

You've cast your hook into me,

For years now I've writhed,

On your hook, your unyielding line.

Pull me in, I'm done resisting.

I am ready, reel me in.

You are the curse that once betrayed me,

Now be the force that won't forsake me.