Hurricane '05 Katrina Poem by Colette Dright

The entire city is in darkness
Yet the brightness shines through you
People left to get away, in their cars they drove
I stayed - flood water is used to flush the toilet
I'm glad to have a gas stove

Water in the ice chest, tub and washing machine
Old folks know exactly what I mean
Water is unclean and contaminated - Oh how we thirst
No central air, no ceiling fans - Oh how we sweat

For days your own means of transportation
Is a boat and your legs
Ravioli in a can without any heat
Food in a box without any meat
People placed on a bridge walking up and down
Not knowing soon, they would leave their town

Bible, clothes, cell phone, charger, license
Foodstamp card, toothbrush, children and money
This shh... is serious, don't think it's so funny

Holding signs wondering has anyone seen us
Missing loved ones never made it to the bus
Tears we cry and cry and cry
Sooner or later the sun will dry

Free rent for a month cause now your home is a Dome
Sometimes sleeping on a cot really mean a lot
Take a bath fully exposed, no privacy for there are no doors

Salvation Army, FEMA
Pushing and shoving to get assistance is hard
I don't know 'bout you, but I got a Red Cross card

Three weeks later, I'm back touring my home
The water has subsided, yet the smell still so strong
Four kids plus one is five, thank You God we're all alive
... and to think the reality show Survivor
Does not contain one Katrina victim

Thank You -
On behalf of me and my city New Orleans, we thank you all!
Thank you to the state of Texas and to all the states, thank you for everything!
Thank you to everyone around the world for your heartfelt love and support during this time of devastation and uncertainty, for we were completely lost and broken.
Special thanks to Houston, Texas for opening up the Astro Dome and Reliant Center and allowing it to become a home for us.
Thank you to all of the shelters and to everyone who made donations, volunteered their time and opened up their doors and hearts to our families.
Thank you to those who graced us and embraced us.
Thank you to those who stayed with us and prayed with us.
We are forever grateful!