I’ve been in New Orleans since Saturday. I’m on Mardi Gras break from school. And yes, I’ve been to many parades. I love this photo because it was taken at a night parade when all the floats were lit up. This one made me think of Chinese New Year and the Year of the Dragon. My brother-in-law is on the far right in a coat my sister made for him from Crown Royal bags. Costuming at Mardi Gras is over-the-top and so interesting to see. I tend to be more of an observer than participant, but my wheels have been turning about “next year.”
Today is a whole other story: Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday. I have a rough draft of something like a poem on this bleary eyed, tired morning. I hope you will join me in musing about the cycle of a year or dragons or parades. Whatever this photo inspires in you. Leave your responses in the comments. Be sure to come back and encourage other writers.
Here we roll again
Margaret Simon, draft
on the wheel of life,
round the bend
holiday to holiday.
A heart drawn on a post-it note
says “I Love You.”
Ashes on the forehead
remind us of death,
so Live
like the dragon
following its path.
Fire on!
Complete the turn!
Breathe hope for another day
in this parade!
Reflections on the Teche 