The Beads Stayed
By Ali Saunders
Hurricane Francine, September 11th 2024
-for New Orleans
Inspired by Family Evacuation with Gulf Fritillary Caterpillars By Andy Young
It was only days before the storm
I first discovered the cradling oaks of Audubon
I made my way across campus and to the park
Looking intently upon the trees I loved the most.
My gaze intense but not as vigilant as the
locals to the city I had been surrounded by
who continued to work and play as the readings of the storm came in.
Mothers and daughters on the swingset
A saxophone player on the street corner
Their lives continuing with strength and caution in their eyes
Delivering the message, this city goes on. We will go on.
I continued back, taking extra notice
to the elements of my new home that is so adored,
shimmering beads catching my eye through the canopy
just beginning to drip with water
I tried my best to keep my cool
Cooking mac n cheese for my floor, watching movies
and laughing with people I didn't know
the middle names of. Peering out my window every so often
to see the wind gusting strongly and our security guard Miss Vicky
gazing out into the storm in her weathered jacket.
I couldn't help but think to myself what a gift I havent felt
this fear before, what a gift I got to close my eyes and hope
instead of laying sleeplessly awake.
When the storm passed, I felt more drawn than ever to go and see the city.
As I emerged from my dorm I saw the smiling faces I have come to admire.
Regardless of the water in the streets and the trash cans ajar,
New Orleans had won this time.
I gazed up to see the shiny beads of dazzling colors still hanging in the
tree just as when I had last passed. Much like the people of this city,
even through the storms that would inevitably come,
the beads stayed.
(featured in the Tulane Review 2025)