Louisiana

They found the Ark of the Covenant when the waters began to recede
You’ve never seen New Orleans look the world more in the teeth
Not since the Daily Crescent in 1848 set its type into print
The world was always looking for the ink in the fold to indent

Butter lamps and the luxuriant of America pulled to the rivers edge
Slaves from Haiti and Africa moving towards Rampart Street’s ledge
Buffalo meat hanging from the street lamps and sold through the door
Followed by a caravan of murderers, politicians, thieves and whores

Sunsets when the masters hide in the field and the slaves embark
When the hail falls like a lariat and the smells carry it into the dark
The berth of Ship Island covered in the ashes of Marie Leveau
Even today all the cypress know to turn from black to blue


Throw the boat astern even hell burns
Cast off the lines and lean into the turn
Louisiana, Louisiana even heaven can turn


- Chris Mansel