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Katrina & Her Sister Rita

Collection

Hellicane: Poets Respond to Hurricane Katrina

Sister Katrina what have you done? You rolled over New Orleans like Attilla the Hun

They knew you were coming, but some did not heed And now that you're done, they wish they could leave

Your mother, Ms. Nature, your brother the sea Both helped you destroy New Orleans

One thousand are dead and more are dying The suffering is immense and children are crying

Although your eye was on Biloxi and Mobile The nation's eye was our New Orleans

As your victims gathered for relief The world watched in disbelief

Fingers pointed and searched for blame Our enemies gloated and yelled "shame!"

Our people responded with love and care And showed the world that we are there

Now your sister Rita follows in your wake But you taught us lessons of precautions to take

Millions will flee your sister's path Now they understand your Mother's wrath

Citation

“Katrina & Her Sister Rita,” Hurricane Digital Memory Bank, accessed November 3, 2026, https://hurricanearchive.org/items/show/26317.