Free Associating in New Orleans (Redux)

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Free assoc 1.JPG

Free Associating in New Orleans

The waitress in the restaurant on Frenchmen Street
tells us that the rack of lamb changed her life;
that the flank steak with an ocean sauce of baby shrimps and clams
is to die for.

Surf and turf; America continues its love affair with protein.

The first cab driver is from Saudi
his mother is from Pakistan
he tells us that Pakistan
is a better place to party.
No surprises there.

The second cab driver is Egyptian.
We talk a little about Trump’s America
but mostly we talk about Mohammed Salah,
the Egyptian Messi
Egypt’s pride and joy,
who apparently is also a good person
gives back to his community
has sponsored seven weddings
in the village he comes from.
Now all of Egypt supports
Liverpool Football Club.

The third cab driver is Jordanian
The fourth cab driver is Algerian,
we commiserate, our national teams
did not qualify for the World Cup;
we talk about lack of money
pampered players, poor coaching.

Immigrants in cars talking soccer
We couldn’t be happier.

Later, in the early hours
waiting for my hangover
to make its way across town
to my hotel room
with its suitcase of regrets
I wonder what my taxi driver friends
think of it all…..
Mardi Gras
Fat Tuesday
Show me your tits
Christian rituals.

The challenge over at dVerse is to write a poem about Mardi Gras,  or similar festivities and to perhaps use juxtaposition to present a contrasting view point or mood.

This is a poem from last year, which I re-worked after thinking about the challenge.

 

21 thoughts on “Free Associating in New Orleans (Redux)”

  1. sarahsouthwest

    Later, in the early hours
    waiting for my hangover
    to make its way across town
    to my hotel room
    with its suitcase of regrets

    Love that.

    I like the poem a lot. I love those taxi drive conversations. We only really take taxis in Dublin, and my husband is a great one for getting people to chat.

    I’m pleased to hear Egypt is supporting Liverpool this season. I hope it helps.

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  2. kim881

    I enjoyed your free association, Jim, although the meat at the beginning turned my stomach this morning (I’ve never liked meat). Football conversations tend to bring people together, especially on cab rides. I also like the lines:
    ‘waiting for my hangover
    to make its way across town
    to my hotel room
    with its suitcase of regrets’
    and the summary of Mardi Gras in the final lines.

    Liked by 1 person

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