LET HER THROUGH CONSTANCE
New Orleans's Mid City, Irish Channel, Lower Garden District, ‘21–’24
⃞
This letter a channeling––
light spilling
into a tiny frame––
my perception of life at that time.
Rue,
a demeanor,
an encounter, &
the Garden District’s way to
announce its habitat.
New Orlean’s ghosts linger in
past, present, and future–
whispering
in floral tongue &
whiffs of fried food
I keep wondering–
Is this writing a thing?
A version here.
The process of becoming;
one person with
something to make.
LET HER THROUGH CONSTANCE
Today weighs in rain.
Fog–– clear the lens
Star Jasmine––they smell so good.
Boarding fences,
climbing polls.
Are you open?
To new
discoveries? Are you
fair?
Wind tickles
mini white roses
& an iron fence
creaks open.
Pooled rain glistens.
Shed the facade—
off a fallen palm.
What can be told
that one doesn’t
already know?
Water pelts off umbrella.
Oaks also provide cover.
Roots pull up.
Wrestling with
concrete,
accidentally–
inevitably.
I don't know
what story is written
or writing.
“If the rain tries again
take the rest
of the day off.”
Painted chairs
& knobby
crepe myrtle.
Fried food
messes the muse
& is the muse...
“This is Rue. [tail wagging]
He’s an old man.
Can’t see.
Can't hear.
He can eat though...
“Pick up your poop. ”
The sun dashing through mist.
Tell me about fluorescence–
Acknowledgements
Thank you to the many beings helping with this project. Bill and Missy Dalton for their home and keen appreciation to the beauty and history of New Orleans. To dad for vespa trips to Mollys, City Park, and a many po’boy & thank you to the beloved city of New Orleans.
About the author
Colleen Elizabeth Jaggi is an artist
living in New England.