Tabitha D (Poetic SunShyne)

My New Orleans

I knew I would be returning to New Orleans in April for my cousin's wedding, but I never imagined within the same month I'd return twice. We drove around and saw destruction I've never seen before in my life and what makes it worse is it's been like this since August 29th. Homes are destroyed, lives are placed on hold and grief is killing many. Businesses which have been apart of New Orleans since the 30's and 40's are now gone and owners are seriously contemplating to never return. Landlords(bastards) have hiked rent increases to unbelievable amounts. A piece of realty before Katrina in lower income areas would run you at max $600, but now they are asking anywhere between $900 to $2000.

Are They Out Of Their F'ing Minds!!!

 As you drive throughout the entire city of New Orleans, Kenner & Metarie areas you come to realize that Katrina bitch slapped us one too many times. Although It is unfair to just blame humans in this catastrophe the ball was dropped and I mean it was dropped like a damn atomic bomb and even though I want to blame them every single day of my life I'm seriously tired of playing the blame game with these incompetent political officials. We elected them, spoke highly of them and some of us may have even volunteered in their campaign headquarters, so for that we must come to grips with and move on.

 When I sit back and think of New Orleans I remember myself, my sisters, my cousins and ALL of the neighborhood kids playing cool can in front of St. Lukes Church, I remember trees that look like giants lined up and down Dorgenois Street providing us with the shade we needed on those scorched hot summer days, I remember huge family gatherings in City Park, Screaming "Throw Me Something Mister!" at all of the parades during Mardi Gras, Second lining to the Rebirth Brass Band at the closing of every wedding reception or dance, I remember walking with my cousins to Pandoras to get their famous snowballs, how I adored going to Ms. Lorettas Praline shop on a Sunday Afternoon, I remember K & B Drug Store, I remember going to Dr. Robinson as a kid and then bringing my daughter to him , I remember attending dances every Friday night at McDonogh #28 Junior High School and thinking "life couldn't get any better than this," I remember my favorite places in New Orleans...Canal Street and West End, I remember the Lowe State and The Joy Theatre, I remember being in awe as a kid whenever we drove up St. Charles Avenue, I remember crying when I saw the homeless sleeping under The Claiborne Bridge, I remember jammin' to the jazz bands and Rythm & Blues singers as we walked up and down The French Quarters, I remember my first ride on the Street Car. I remember millions of wonderful memories, but the memory that will forever be embedded in my mind is that of thousands of New Orleanians crying out for help in front of the now Infamous Ernest Morial Convention Center.

Although I am one of the millions who has been scarred by this monstrous and historical event I will forever love the city in which I grew to become the woman I am today. I will live each day as if it is my last and I will love LIFE to the fullest. I will forgive those who have caused me harm and I will pray for their souls. Each day I ask God to HOLD US within his arms. I ask him to dwell within us, so that we may feel one ounce of his strength. Each day I pray for the world, but these days I put in an extra word for MY PEOPLE. Every single soul affected by the events of August 29, 2005. The day our lives changed forever and our hearts cried out to the heavens.

 "No Weapon Formed Against Us Shall Prosper"

"Weeping May Endure For The Night, But Joy Comes In The Morning Time"

 These WERE, IS & shall FOREVER remain my beliefs.

Our cries were heard and in his time God will shine upon New Orleans and re-new our shell, because the truth is NO ONE or NOTHING can kill our SPIRIT.

Peace & Blessings

Tabitha D aka Poetic SunShyne

BIO

Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. This mother of one is poet, spoken word artist, and founder of SecondWindClub.org. Her passion for poetry began at the tender age of five and has grown stronger with each year.

Her love for music and passion to help people began at a very early age. She is also Co-Founder for one of the best Internet shows the world has seen in awhile. Along with her brother-in-poetry EyeQ they formed Rhyme Or Reason. A monthly online Show that features Poets, Musicians, Hip Hop Artist, Bands & Solo Singers.

Sunshyne gave birth to DaNawlinzGroove after her close friend Eric (owner of Cafe De Soul Radio) suggested she'd be great at interacting with and helping create another venue for Indie Artist of All Genres to be heard.

"I love music of All types and appreciate those who bring forth music that can move me. As long as there are Indie Artist DaNawlinzGroove will exist."