With the hurricane season fast approaching, I wanted to share this poem in memory of the 1,833 victims who perished in Hurricane Katrina, and for the survivors, the Who Dats, the real people of New Orleans, who have struggled to rebuild their lives...
Hurricane Katrina: Couldn’t Wash Away New Orleans
Hurricane Katrina couldn’t wash away our culture...
She couldn’t wash away our pride...
She could never kill New Orleans...
No matter how hard she tried....
She couldn’t wash away our music...
She couldn’t wash away our spirit...
She could never kill the Crescent City...
We Who Dats would never hear of it...
She blew into our New Orleans...
In late August of 2005...
She smashed into our levees...
Like a fast pitch line drive...
Soon our weak levees gave way to her meanness...
The brown water covered most of our beloved city...
While the rest of the country shook their heads in dismissal...
New Orleans’ survival was indeed not looking pretty...
But the Who Dats stare danger...
Right back in its ugly face...
As a family we gather together...
As a community we strongly embrace...
The people of New Orleans...
Don’t take nothin’ lying down...
We are the Who Dat Nation...
We are the talk of the town...
Hurricane Katrina couldn’t wash away our culture...
She couldn’t wash away our pride...
She could never kill New Orleans...
No matter how hard she tried....
She couldn’t wash away our music...
She couldn’t wash away our spirit...
She could never kill the Crescent City...
We Who Dats would never hear of it...
Once the water left our City...
And our people came back home...
It was time to clean up our houses...
And our beloved Superdome.
Soon arrived the Neville Brothers...
The Dirty Dozen and Dr. John...
Then came Lil Queenie and da Radiators...
Our jukeboxes were finally turned on...
Vince Vance & The Valiants returned...
And the Wild Magnolias, too....
Then Harry Connick Jr finally arrived...
With his entire film and sound crew...
Then Deacon John and Irma Thomas...
And finally Ellis Marsalis and Allen Toussaint...
‘They All Axed for You’ was playin’ loud...
New Orleans was back without no restraint...
Hurricane Katrina couldn’t wash away our culture...
She couldn’t wash away our pride...
She could never kill New Orleans...
No matter how hard she tried....
She couldn’t wash away our music...
She couldn’t wash away our spirit...
She could never kill the Crescent City...
We Who Dats would never hear of it...
When our own Fats Domino finally arrived back on the scene
People started to smile again cuz New Orleans was getting clean.
They started cooking gumbo and the Saints started to win.
New Orleans was finally back on its dancin’ feet again.
Soon the snowball machines were humming and the parades were running on schedule.
The king cakes were baking and we could buy Roman candy.
Shrimp were getting boiled and crawfish were getting peeled.
The people started smiling cuz the Katrina wounds were getting healed.
Hurricane Katrina couldn’t wash away our culture.
She couldn’t wash away our spirit, couldn’t wash away our pride.
She couldn’t wash away our music or how we like to party.
She could never kill New Orleans, no matter how hard she tried.
© 2021 Jeffrey Pipes Guice
This and many other original poems can be found in “Defining Moments” which is now available in the e-book format and paperback on Amazon and other major e-book distributors. Click on this link for more information. Enjoy!
https://www.amazon.com/Defining-Moments-Relationships-Rebellion-Redemption-ebook/dp/B08MVFV5JW/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=defining+moments+jeffrey+pipes+guice&qid=1605039606&s=books&sr=1-4
About the Creator
Jeffrey Pipes Guice
Jeffrey worked for years in New York City and Washington D.C. while traveling throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, and even spent some time in Antarctica. But the true discoveries came from inside himself, and that poetic journey is shown here.
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Police Warn Against ‘Ridiculous’ Parking at Beauty Spot Amid Snow Disruption
Heavy snowfall may transform beauty spots into winter wonderlands, but it also brings serious risks when visitors ignore basic safety and parking rules. Police have issued a strong warning against what they describe as “ridiculous” parking at a popular beauty spot, after snow disruption led to blocked roads, stranded vehicles, and delayed emergency access. As wintry conditions continue to affect travel, authorities are urging the public to prioritise safety over scenic photographs, reminding drivers that poor parking decisions can have life-threatening consequences during severe weather. Snowfall Turns Scenic into Hazardous The recent spell of snow attracted large numbers of visitors eager to enjoy picturesque landscapes blanketed in white. Hillsides, national parks, and rural viewpoints quickly became hotspots for walkers, families, and amateur photographers. However, police say the surge in visitors coincided with widespread parking chaos. Cars were left abandoned on narrow roads, grass verges, gateways, and even blocking access routes meant for emergency vehicles and local residents. What may appear to drivers as a harmless decision to “park for just a few minutes” can quickly escalate into a major safety issue—especially when snow and ice reduce road space and visibility. Police Response and Public Warning Local police forces have taken to social media and public statements to express frustration at the situation. Officers described some parking behaviour as not only irresponsible but dangerous, particularly given the weather conditions. Police warned that emergency vehicles, including ambulances and mountain rescue teams, were struggling to reach areas due to blocked roads. In severe weather, response times are already under pressure, and illegally parked vehicles can mean the difference between life and death. Authorities have also made it clear that enforcement action will be taken where necessary. Drivers risk fines, towing, and penalty points if their vehicles obstruct roads or endanger others. Impact on Emergency Services One of the most serious consequences of poor parking during snow disruption is its impact on emergency services. Narrow rural roads, already difficult to navigate in icy conditions, become completely impassable when cars are parked irresponsibly. Fire crews, paramedics, and rescue teams rely on clear access routes, particularly in popular beauty spots where accidents such as slips, falls, or stranded walkers are more likely in winter conditions. Police stressed that emergency vehicles do not have the luxury of “finding another way around” when roads are blocked. Delays caused by inconsiderate parking put both responders and the public at risk. Local Residents Left Frustrated It is not only emergency services that are affected. Residents living near popular beauty spots often bear the brunt of snow-related disruption. Driveways are blocked, access to homes becomes difficult, and essential journeys for work, medical appointments, or supplies are delayed. Many locals report feeling ignored by visitors who treat rural communities like seasonal attractions rather than lived-in areas. During winter weather, this frustration is magnified, as residents may already be dealing with power outages, poor road conditions, and limited access to services. Police have echoed these concerns, reminding visitors that beauty spots are often surrounded by working communities, not just open spaces for leisure. Why Snow Makes Parking More Dangerous Snow significantly reduces road safety margins. It narrows carriageways, hides road markings, and makes verges unstable. A car parked partly on a road might seem manageable in normal conditions, but in snow it can create blind corners, force vehicles into oncoming traffic, or cause skidding accidents. Additionally, snowploughs and gritters require space to operate effectively. Poorly parked vehicles can prevent these essential services from clearing roads, prolonging disruption for everyone. Authorities warn that even experienced drivers can underestimate how quickly conditions can change in winter weather. Social Media and the “Snow Day” Effect Police have also pointed to social media as a contributing factor. Viral images of snow-covered landscapes often encourage spontaneous trips without proper planning. People see beautiful photos and head out without considering parking availability, road conditions, or weather warnings. This “snow day” mentality can overwhelm rural infrastructure not designed for large volumes of traffic, particularly during adverse weather. Police urge visitors to check local advice before travelling and to be prepared to turn back if conditions are unsafe. Advice for Safe Winter Visits In response to the ongoing disruption, authorities have shared clear guidance for anyone planning to visit beauty spots during snowy conditions: Avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather warnings Park only in designated areas, never on roads or verges Do not block gateways, tracks, or emergency access routes Check weather and road conditions before setting off Be prepared to leave if parking is unavailable Police emphasise that no photograph or short walk is worth risking lives or causing serious disruption. Enforcement and Accountability While officers prefer to rely on public cooperation, they have confirmed that enforcement will be stepped up if irresponsible behaviour continues. Vehicles may be ticketed or removed, particularly if they pose a danger or obstruction. Authorities stress that enforcement is not about spoiling enjoyment but about ensuring public safety. Winter conditions demand higher levels of responsibility from drivers, not less. A Shared Responsibility Snow transforms landscapes, but it also tests public behaviour. Police warnings against “ridiculous” parking are not just expressions of frustration—they are urgent reminders that safety must come first. Enjoying nature is a privilege, not a right, especially during extreme weather. By parking responsibly and respecting local communities, visitors can help ensure that beauty spots remain accessible, emergency services remain effective, and winter days do not turn into preventable disasters. As snow disruption continues, the message from police is clear: think before you park, or don’t park at all
By Muhammad Hassan4 days ago in Earth
How Wind Energy Works: A Closer Look with Stanislav Kondrashov
As the world pushes further into the 21st century, the demand for sustainable and clean sources of energy has never been greater. At the heart of this shift is wind energy—a technology as old as the first sailboat, yet as modern as the towering turbines dotting coastlines and countrysides. Stanislav Kondrashov, an independent energy researcher and commentator, has long studied the mechanics and potential of wind power. His insights help demystify what’s often seen as a complex system driven by forces we can’t see.
By Stanislav Kondrashov 6 days ago in Earth
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