A Satchmo poem

Thursday through Sunday, Satchmo Summerfest returns to the Old U.S. Mint for its 13th year, offering a slew of foods, exhibits, seminars, movies and music performances honoring New Orleans-born music legend Louis Armstrong and his contributions to the jazz genre. As always, the festival is free and open to the public.

As part of NolaVie’s Yeah you write! campaign, we invite readers to submit New Orleans-related content for a chance to have their work featured on our site. Whether it’s a personal essay about moving from New Orleans, a photo of French Quarter Fest, or a video of a second line, we want to know: what’s your New Orleans story

Today’s featured submission comes from Canadian poetess and fan of all things New Orleans Aprill Cameron, who, like many New Orleanians and out-of-towners alike, has a penchant for Satchmo Summerfest. Of the festival Cameron writes: “Wish I could be there instead of my words!”

COME DONDER COME BLITZEN

So who is the fat cat jazzman of them all?
King Louis! Of the gravely voice black eyes
and a grin that would lift up even the most soul-
less of sinners. Most certainly slipped the answer
back in the Vieux Carré, when the cornet was his
ticket out of the Home for Coloured Waifs.

There was never a face so full of grace and transcendence.

O’ fickle is fame pushed old Louis aside when those badass
beboppers were on the ascendance.

Dash Away Dash Away

King Louis A

If Louis’ T’was The Night Before Christmas does not bring a tear
to your eye and smile to your lip, you never did have a soul worth saving.