Home » Poems » Carrie Delatte » Louisiana Branches

Louisiana Branches

Strong like the waves that crash upon the shore
Deep as the river beneath a tossing barge
Long like the nights as we wait out the storms
And true as the love we have for the babes in our arms

The spirit of a warrior standing ready in his armor
The faith of a Pastor while comforting congregation members
The eyes of a mother that chooses to see only hope
And the strength of a father protecting his family's home

Louisiana's children, up until the end---
Prove over and over that our Faith won't be bent
We've adapted and created our ways of living
Picking up the pieces when Mother Nature comes at us again

We hurt when she hurts and bare the brunt 
Of the forces she spews and the courses she runs
Her anger we feel in the gusts of wind
Her joy we receive during those summer's that won't end
Bliss she shows us on the perfect spring days
Just as we catch her tears when she lets go the rain
She's made our skin tough through the breath she shares
Humid and dense in our heavy air

Just as she can let go the wrath of a jilted Queen
We use the lessons she's instilled in us to conquer defeat
She may send down the rains and conjure lightening to match
And we may hear her anger in her thunderous clap
She may push through a wind to show us once more
And let loose all her might with a powerful storm

But she forgets, Mother Nature, you see
That her past runs through you and it runs through me
A direct line has been made, like the Mississippi to the Gulf
Her ways have led us to know just what we're made of
For through the years and down the lines
Cajun Country's people have risen each time
Our defenses may be a direct result of her hands
But our spirit we derive from our place on this land
And Mother Nature may be an ever present influence
But we're children of Louisiana and that means we'll always come through it

Rooted in this soil, in the heritage it holds
Grateful and honored for the blessings we've been bestowed
Generations as far back as one could see
Our ties are just as bound as these ancient Cypress trees

Rise up Louisiana with the dawning of new light
May your pain be healed and hearts filled with might
And as the last bit of dew dries up with the sun
Feel the embrace of your family in this rooted home you stem from

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.