I waited at the station for the train
to St. Louis, but the train never came.
Now years later I still wonder.
When the deluge hit the State and Noah's ark was wrecked where did the Blues go to die?
Some say it drowned in New Orleans but the captain was nowhere in sight.
There were no heroes on the day
and there are no heroes now.
There are no heroes in the country anymore
and still, my brothers play the Blues on broken guitars and banjos.
A few words about the poem…
Disillusionment and the Absence of Heroes: Reflection on Racial Prejudice
In the contemplative verses penned by the poet, the reader is transported to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, a natural disaster of colossal proportions. The poem's opening lines, "I waited at the station for the train to St. Louis, but the train never came," evoke a sense of anticipation left unfulfilled, mirroring the unmet expectations of assistance during the catastrophe.
The central theme that emerges is one of profound disappointment and disillusionment. The poet questions the whereabouts of the blues, a symbol of resilience and cultural heritage when New Orleans was submerged. This inquiry serves as a metaphor for the absence of support and leadership in a time of dire need. The lines, "Some say it drowned in New Orleans, but the captain was nowhere in sight," subtly allude to the absence of President Bush, creating an implicit critique of his response to the crisis.
The absence of heroes, both then and now, is a recurring motif in the poem. It underscores the poet's somber assessment of the state of the nation. The repetition of "There are no heroes" emphasizes the disillusionment and loss of faith in leadership. The mention of "broken guitars and banjos" paints a poignant picture of the persistence of cultural expressions, despite adversity.
Throughout the poem, there is an underlying suggestion of racial prejudice in the context of Hurricane Katrina. The poet's choice of words and imagery delicately hint at the unequal impact of the disaster on different communities, without explicitly stating it. This subtlety aligns with the poet's preference for an authoritative and objective tone, avoiding flowery language and excessive praise.
In conclusion, the poem crafts a thought-provoking narrative of despair and disillusionment in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Through its carefully chosen words and imagery, it subtly addresses the issue of racial prejudice, inviting readers to reflect on the challenges faced by marginalized communities during times of crisis.