Collection

How did it happen?

It was late August when it was reported "Leave now! Leave now!" as houses were boarded

The city of New Orleans and surrounding areas too Were scared and nervous - what should they do?

The warnings came again that one late afternoon "Leave your home! Leave your home! And leave it soon!"

Big or little, rich or poor "Go now, go now, right out your door!"

Dogs, cats, disabled and black "Leave now, leave now - there is no time to pack!"

The prediction did seem to be somewhat insane What was expected? A category 4 hurricane!

It would be a disaster - and this time - no one to blame For all of the suffering, heartache and pain

Most took it seriously And headed out fiercely

Some went North, some East and some West Staying with family they thought would be best

Many followed the orders, demanded by State "Report to the Superdome - you cannot afford to be late!"

This was a dome - and for days, their home Surrounded by thousands, yet all alone

Whipping winds first blew stronger and stronger In time they knew it wouldn't be much longer

White-peaked waves came in harder - then higher A disaster is tragic whether wind, water or fire

The pressure from Katrina caused the levees to break And water rushed in, the city — a lake

Believe it or not, some people did stay To ride out Katrina on that awful, terrible day

Reality began when Katrina reached their toes Within minutes, it was even - right with their nose

The people were stuck with just one place to go So they climbed to the top, it was the attic they chose Where they hammered and chiseled their worries and woes

With such disbelief as they climbed to their roof They opened their eyes to an instant - POOF! Blinking, rubbing and thinking -- maybe a goof

But, no, no goof, what was it that they saw Not a city - no - not a city at all

No buildings, no churches, no stores or stations No homes, no restaurants or a place for a vacation

And back to the stadium, it turned into violence As our nation stood back in awe and in silence

Looting, hurting, shooting, no doubt Surviving, living, that's what it's about

Everything destroyed in Katrina's path of destruction That only support and love to help build new construction

Even one's pride they choose to hide As they bury their heads to cry inside

As they must go on with what's on their backs They place all they own in one small sack

Now - that is how it happened... But now, how will it end?

Loved ones are gone, and people left bare But no time is given for grief and despair

There is no time to sit back on your lazy chair Let's embrace our nation and show that we care

What can we do? Where should we start? It doesn't really matter, just give from the heart

If you have that desire to help and pitch in Maybe you can start in your very own kitchen

Search high, search low Maybe send them some "dough"

Look in, look out, you can look all around Let's get this message flowing through our town

Love and prayers is what we can send And anything we find, we are willing to lend

Because working together in helping things mend That in itself - is how it will end