Election Section

Commentary: A Streetcar Named Disaster By CLAIRE BURCH

Friday September 16, 2005

I have seen New Orleans clinging to a tower. 

Eighteen children on a roof. 

Intelligent design? A half a million terror. 

A thirsty baby's signs of ending life. 

Geraldo at his network microphone 

describes the scene and cries. 

Mothers and fathers in a sweaty daze. 

Where were the rescuers to keep them safe? 

 

Some trudge along in water mixed with shit. 

The cisterns overflowing and not yet 

clean water, bread and milk. 

Federal heart of stone 

until Geraldo fiercely shouted out. 

The huddled masses only stand and wait. 

 

Thank you Geraldo. You got the  

president going. 

Brown bodies left there still. All is not well. 

What is the half mast flag exactly  

saying? 

Body or soul. 

I hear New Orleans crying 

a summer's tale. 

 

Claire Burch is the artistic director for 

Art and Education Media Inc.›