Voodoo Queen of New Orleans

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She was long and lovely from ‘way down south,
she had blood on her hands, blood on her mouth.
She’d got voodoo spells and incantations.
She lived on one of those big plantations.
Had she done something bad? Well I don’t know.
She went by the name of Marie Laveau.

She had golden skin and curly black hair,
down near the bayou you could find her there,
with her big old snake wrapped ’round and ’round,
it was party time when the sun went down.
Cauldron would bubble and naked they’d dance,
potions concocted, ’round the fire she’d prance.

She had a mojo hand, a black cat bone,
wouldn’t want her to catch you all alone.
There were stories told of the men she’d charmed;
like her husband Jacques, he wasn’t alarmed,
he just disappeared, he never returned,
just ashes left and the incense she burned.

Stroll though the graveyard down near Bayou Street
upon St. John’s Eve when the spirits meet.
There on her tomb is perched a big black crow
masking the spirit of Marie Laveau.
She leads the rites and the ritual scene,
forever known as the the Voodoo Queen.

Marie Laveau lived from 1794 to 1881 on North Rampart Street, New Orleans. When requested, she used the Voodoo religion’s magical powers to control one’s enemies, lovers and acquaintances. 

The type of music I have in mind for this has twanging guitars and a heavy drum beat reminiscent of the Creedence Clearwater Revival song, “Down on the Bayou” or the Colin James song “Voodoo Thing”.


Comments

10 responses to “Voodoo Queen of New Orleans”

  1. Hi Melanie, and all Bob Dylan fans, this is way up on my list of ffavorite books:

    Cheers,
    Dennis

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  2. melanietoulouse Avatar
    melanietoulouse

    Interesting poem… souvenirs, souvenirs… I’ve been to NO, Louisiana twice while I lived in Houston, TX for 5 years… It’s a totally different “world”, I could hardly believe I was still in the US! :-) There’s a Toulouse street in the French Quarter… :-)

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    1. Thanks Melanie, for liking so many of my poems. I am deeply touched that they held your interest. I’ve never visited New Orleans, except through the writings of Bob Dylan. I’m sure I would love it.

      Cheers,
      Dennis

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      1. melanietoulouse Avatar
        melanietoulouse

        My pleasure, Dennis… Btw, I like Bob a lot! He’s been a living legend… he has just received “la légion d’honneur” in Paris from the French Minister of culture! :-)

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  3. I believe you have truly captured the spirit of the voodoo queen. This was a fantastic read…, comfortable, easy flowing, and kept drawing me forward with each word.
    Very nice.
    Paul

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    1. Hi Paul.

      Thanks for your kind words. Your support and encouragement are much appreciated.

      Cheers,
      Dennis

      Like

  4. It was the energy that I couldn’t get get out of my mind. Another all time favorite, from 1968, is Tony Joe White’s “Polk Salad Annie”. Have a listen and tell me if it doesn’t just grab you by the guts:

    Elvis copied this and came out looking like an amateur. I hope this energizes your morning. This is foot stompin’ music.

    Dennis

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    1. LadyBlueRose's Thoughts Into Words Avatar
      LadyBlueRose’s Thoughts Into Words

      I know both versions…
      and i agree with your thoughts …
      I remember fun nights listening to this song…!
      Thanks again Dennis….i shall now
      end the day with a smile…
      and hopefully sleep will visit..tonight…
      hope my story didn’t bore you to tears…
      Take Care…
      )0(
      maryrose.

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      1. I enjoyed your story very much. Keep smiling and I wish you, pleasant dreams.

        Goodnight, Maryrose

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  5. LadyBlueRose's Thoughts Into Words Avatar
    LadyBlueRose’s Thoughts Into Words

    had to go listen to your choices…
    both are great as is your magickal poem here about a mistress of magick from the South…
    Hers is a different one from what i live…
    She still roams today i Believe, not just in the graveyard…
    yes you have captured her essence well in your words here Dennis…
    )0(
    Blessed be
    maryrose
    I hadn’t remembered Colin James, but I know CCR well….
    I couldn’t decide which, for they both fit the energy…

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