In times gone by, I liked to collect sea shells, and stroll along the sunny shore
I would put them every where, even hang them on the door
But I do not collect them, anymore
I use to collect friends and family, and hug them to my heart
But friends are now scattered across the USA, and family are, just as far apart
So I can not collect them, anymore
I use to celebrate Mardi-Gras, and enjoy my city’s Culture
But since KATRINA came, my city lies scattered in decay,
like the remains from some destructive vulture
So, there is nothing left to make me stay,
Just sorrow, and the memories of before
There is no home to put things in, nor hang them on a door
Seems the only thing that I can now collect to store,
Are the tear-drops that my city weeps, but they just fall through my hands, and hit the dusty floor
So I can not collect them, anymore
And the sea shells, they lie broken, upon the battered, cluttered shore
So I do not collect them, anymore