on the day prior to Fat Tuesday in preparation for Mardis Gras the angels look down from the heavens to oversee business in the city of bacchanalia.
motley regalia in creation merriment of none the like and adornment of mankind in all of its outrageousness.
layer of bead upon bead string upon string encircling the being of multitudes a costume party of the highest sorts in one of the most significant cities of jazz and folklore.
in the voodoo ambiance of ritual and tradition the angels humor one to another in light of what the day after this royal event shall become.
Ash Wednesday holy preface upon the forehead of those who await the true essence of Easter.
(c) 2003 Copyrights of John W Leko All Rights Reserved
I have to say I even enjoyed your brief description of the poem, "spent before lent..."
I have never considered the contrasts between Mardi Gras and the holy days of Easter. And--do they vie for our attention during the remainder of the year, or do we consider each of them to be over when they're over?.. Interesting thoughts. Wonderful writing, John. Thanks for sharing this.
Leann
Interesting topic - I've always been a little cynical of Mardi Gras - sort of makes Lent pointless - but then those who revel in it probably don't think much of what Lent means - still as your poem suggest this has more interesting and more honest roots in Afro-American rituals related to music and speaking of jazz: what better way to express the "UP" and overcoming spirit of true religion. Life doesn't become easier because of jazz bet it becomes more bearable (and I speak from my own experience making music!)
Thoughtful write!
In my travels throughout this great country of ours, the national parks and scenery of our great West has captivated me beyond belief, and Mardi Gras has never been listed on my agenda. Should I be tempted to give it a try...or should I...at the ripe old age of sixty-four...just leave it alone?
A vivid picture of the "sacred" flirting with the "profane". This is filled with life and colour and I like the portraiture of heaven's amusement at it all... after all, they've seen it all before in S&G or even Notting Hill in London! Bacchanals can be waaaaaay less scary than some of the Palm Sunday almost KluKluxKlan type of events in Southern Spain, for certain sure... All of our spirit and senses seem a curious mix with the need for both sides of the coin, darkness and light. You conjure atmosphere well. Kate xx
Reviewed by Ingeborg von Finsterwalde (Reader)
Reviewed on February 7, 2008
Beautiful write John and so true. Like the song goes; Am Aschermittwoch ist alles vorbei...
Best always,
Ingeborg
Reviewed by ~ Holly Harbridge (Reader)
Reviewed on February 7, 2008
inspired words from one who walks in the light and love of Him, blessings, holly
This is a superb poem,pre lenten and onward you bring it all to light. Since I "try" to observe lent it seems to be so early this year;-)Thanks for sharing!
...and here comes rumbling from afar a Gregorian Chorus to add a lower thunder of premonition that Voodoo can't command...
John, Voodoo Priest Louis Martinie of New Orleans would have been proud reading your poem.
Being from the area also I really enjoyed this! We do not have the same size of celebration that New Orleans does but it's lively enough... and Wednesday we don the ashes. Excellent piece here, John!
Myrna
Oustanding write John
well penned
Peace be with you
William
Reviewed by Jerry Bolton (Reader)
Reviewed on February 4, 2008
Very well done, John, I live down here among the voodoo.hoodoo and all that jazzz . . . Tomorrow is the BIG day . . . Fat Tuesday . . . Loved this . . .
Mardi Gras was my christening to living in New Orleans when my work transferred me there. It was actually Fat Tuesday and what a welcome that was!
Thank you for capturing the spirit of NO and the actual vortex of it's spiritual side coming and going. This was different and I found it a marvelous difference at what most think about the Big Easy!
Blessings and love,
Susan
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I have never considered the contrasts between Mardi Gras and the holy days of Easter. And--do they vie for our attention during the remainder of the year, or do we consider each of them to be over when they're over?.. Interesting thoughts. Wonderful writing, John. Thanks for sharing this.
Leann
God bless you. Kathy
Thoughtful write!
David
Micke
Regis
God Bless
Michelle~
Best always,
Ingeborg
Be well,
Sheri
Be always safe,
Karen
Superb write
Ron
luv
et
Christine
Love Tinka
John, Voodoo Priest Louis Martinie of New Orleans would have been proud reading your poem.
Georg
Myrna
well penned
Peace be with you
William
Thank you for capturing the spirit of NO and the actual vortex of it's spiritual side coming and going. This was different and I found it a marvelous difference at what most think about the Big Easy!
Blessings and love,
Susan