As we approach the 1st anniversary of the thing, the storm, the Russian whore, whichever title you prefer to give it, I don’t have the inner fortitude to “re-live” the things we experienced in August and September of 2005. So watch the specials, the look backs, the remember what happened here packages that the mainstream media is feeding the nation. I myself will pass. I went through it, why the hell would any of us want to see the footage that is unfortunately stuck in the majority of our minds for the rest of our lives? Maybe that’s just me. I would rather write about what makes my city so special, so enjoy the first of seven love letters to my home, my city, and my life, New Orleans Louisiana

My love,

You were there for me when I was a fool. When I had no idea what life was or what it meant to be alive. When I thought that living was about making lots of money and buying crap that had no purpose. You taught me how to enjoy the simple things that I took for granted. You showed me the joy of eating crawfish on a riverbank, watching the tugboats slowly move down the river. You opened my eyes to the good in all people, black, white, male, female, gay, straight.

I know I left you before but you were never gone from my heart, from my blood. And I came back because I need you in my life. Now the tables have turned. You are devastated, a shell of your former self. Your legs are weak, trembling from the weight of pain and sorrow. From the loss of thousands of loved ones who loved you as much as you loved them. Now you need me more than I ever needed you and I am promising you I’m here to stay my love. Why? Well there is no other New Orleans.

I know my love it will not be easy. It has not been easy. You know this already. While I only hear my cries for you to come back, to be healthy, you hear the thousands of souls like mine that long for you to be strong again, for you to live again. As I wipe my tears away, you have thousands of other lovers tears to manage, to soothe and comfort, to tell that it will be okay, that you’ll come back stronger and better than ever.

I see your scar’s everyday. It will take awhile for us to restore your beauty, your character, your pulse, your heartbeat. But we will my love, even if it’s the last thing we do. I stare at the riverfront streetcar daily, empty except for the driver of one of your veins. I long for the days when it was full, teaming with locals and visitors alike, giving you the power you’ve had for oh so long. I search the French Market on a Saturday afternoon, begging for a crowd so you can have a good day for a change. Don’t worry my love, they’ll come back. Why? Well again, there is no other New Orleans.

You’ve been alive for 300 years. I’ve been alive for 38 so you’ve got the pedigree to overcome the beating you took almost one year ago. I know this deep in my heart and I have faith in you. I’ll be here for as long as you need me, I promise I will never leave you again.

Love,
DKF

Related posts:

1. Love letter number 2
2. Love Letter Number 3
3. Love Letter Number 5
4. Love Letter Number 4
5. She give me love, love, love, love, crazy love