By A.B.
New Orleans was the
big city
New Orleans was the
name brand
in a life of off brand
It was a wonder
it was fun
it was a mystery
I came for short times
To see City Park
and feed ducks
To go to a parade
and catch beads and stuffed animals
To see my dad
and spend time with him
Then New Oreans was scary
It was overwhelming
it was active
New Orleans was new
and intimidating
the schools were different
the teachers were different
my neighbors were different
An attitude surrounded new orleans
one i didn’t notice before
The news stories were
scary
and dangerous
and the tales I heard
from my parents and
other adults
they sounded crazy
New Orleans was a lot
But also disappointing
As it became
less overwhelming
New Orleans isn’t scary
It isn’t crazy
New Orleans is boring
There is nothing for me
and my friends to do
Just alcohol
drugs
and crime
New Orleans is disappointing
New Orleans is
recognizable
New Orleans is comfortable
Everything starts to become familiar
My life is here
and I have been
swallowed up by the
abnormality
of this crazy city
New Orleans is my home
But it is also my prison
It is also my kidnapper
It is also my teacher
It is also my friend
New Orleans is my sculptor
But what has it made?