Ghosts of New Orleans

I, the evil harlot stand tall
I, the adulterous shall not fall

Thus you've branded thee my name
But it is I who will live out your defame

You are my master, my country, owner of me
For no other reason than money would it be

Corruption and law go hand in hand
While the blacksmith heats his "incorrigilble" brand

Youu dealt me a sentence worse than death
Forever a man's slave with every breath

Bought and sold, shuffled around
Back then the Bayou wasn't even a town

We became mothers of women and men
Condemned by society for someone else's sin

Forever we're unclaimed moms of many
All for your greedy mans penny

So dear frenchman, madam and sir
We were duly punished without murder

So many of us innocent victims of you
Corrupt officials that sent us to the bayou

Blessed were those who passed on during the journey
Who were carelessly thrown overboard on a makeshift gourney

We were pawed and mauled, beaten and raped
For us there was no where to escape

The bayou was too wild for a woman to survive
So we chose daily to endure punishment or die.

This poem is based upon actual historical events that occured while the french 
government was attempting to develop New Orleans.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Suzadail Jr. Avatar
July 27, 2011 at 6:56 PM
Congrats Chastity on your poem being featured this week. Interesting write. Vince
Brown Avatar
July 25, 2011 at 1:49 PM
Congratulations on your poetry being featured this week Chasity. Love, Carol
Sweetheart Avatar
December 30, 2010 at 7:59 PM
Welcome to Poetry Soup.. enjoyed your creative write tonight.. have fun on the Poetry Soup site with luv..
Fraser Avatar
December 30, 2010 at 4:53 PM
The dreaded white man Chasity, where ever he went, events took place. Normally for their better good. Couplet 5 has 2 x u. Just thought I'd let you know. Thank you for reading me. Happy New Year to you, have a lovely 2011....:)
Brown Avatar
December 30, 2010 at 3:32 AM
I would like to welcome you to PoetrySoup Chasity. Wishing you the best in your writing endeavors. You can look to the left side of the main page and find lots of information on PoetrySoup including contests by members of PoetrySoup and contests by the PoetrySoup site also. Wishing you a Happy New Year. Love, Carol
Mehta Avatar
December 29, 2010 at 3:32 PM
It's really very touching and moving thoughts but with a will-power to fight against the situation faced, very powerful write, Chastity
Muzzey Avatar
December 29, 2010 at 2:40 PM
A nicely written verse, I enjoyed the read. Welcome to poetry soup. Caryl
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