Roller Coaster

Roller Coaster, originally uploaded by jryanpackard.

It's been a whilwind of emotion here for the last few days. Everytime something good happens it seems like there's something bad right there to follow. I've written elsewhere that for the residents of New Orleans this is an emotional catastrophe on par with the Twin Towers collapse for New Yorkers. After watching my friends and their recently arrived family, I'm more sure of this than ever. People from New Orleans have a connection with their city the likes of which those of us from places like Nashville, or Dallas, or Denver or most other cities will never understand. The emotional toll of watching this place crumble is unbelievable, and I know there are people who would gladly have given their lives if only the city could have been spared. I would never say that about my hometown, Houston, and yet I know people who would make that trade in a second for New Orleans. The devastation is widespread and the people affected innummerable. So, I'm announcing a fundraiser.

If you donate any amount of money to the Red Cross or any other relief agency in the next ten days, just email me and let me know. I'll put your name in a hat and the winner will get the print of his/her choice from the blog mounted on double weight mount board and printed on archival endura paper (translation: it'll look nice). Megan and I will start by pledging $350.

The proportions of this disaster are unfathomable. It will result in the largest single displacement of people since the Japanese internment camps of WWII. They need your help.

My City Of Ruins
by Bruce Springsteen

There's a blood red circle
on the cold dark ground
and the rain is falling down
The church doors blown open
I can hear the organ's song
But the congregation's gone

My city of ruins
My city of ruins

Now the sweet veils of mercy
drift through the evening trees
Young men on the corner
like scattered leaves
The bordered up windows
The hustlers and thieves
While my brother's down on his knees

My city of ruins
My city of ruins

Come on rise up!
Come on rise up!

Now there's tears on the pillow
darling where we slept
and you took my heart when you left
without your sweet kiss
my soul is lost, my friend
Now tell me how do I begin again?

My city's in ruins
My city's in ruins

Now with these hands
I pray Lord
with these hands
for the strength Lord
with these hands
for the faith Lord
with these hands
I pray Lord
with these hands
for the strength Lord
with these hands
for the faith Lord
with these hands

Come on rise up!
Come on rise up!
Rise up