Marigny Poem by Joshua Bantum

In the coming months
I will taste the changing waters

The cracked bell will find a way to ring
and stained glass chipped off
like water from grey clouds
will continue falling into the courtyard

The statue of St. Mary
will dissipate beneath our sins
somber on a mound with dying grass
cooling below the air.

I have a time to join with you
until I leave again
I hope along with the saints strong few
together we embrace the wind
new lovers fall below my pen
and in the cold
when stricken old
I'll avoid love once again
leaving this city
now burdened by its sin

I have a small time with you
New Orleans
but then
when your hand reaches out for mine
the shadow of my poetry
like a dried leaf held in your palm
will turn to bitter dust
Torn from your Book of Psalms

Lets be cordial
for I
Have done this before
With great success