Memories
I first set foot on Louisianan soil in the late 1770’s. We were not Americans then, as the revolution was destined to rage on for some time. I could not tell you how old I was, for it was some time ago and I ask who can recall a clear memory of the earliest years of their lives. My father spoke to us of the battles that had weathered over the eastern territories and how the mortars of new countries were set by the blood of those who fight for it. The impoverished we saw here were not only Haitians and the less well off Creole artisans whose ventures were not prosperous, but also the few revolutionaries. Their stories of upset from across the borders made horrifying tales.
1791. I have been damned for four months. Lestat tells me the states of the East are thinking about naming the fourth of July as a day of Independence. To my fault, his blathering is lost on me as I am victim to my preternatural senses.
1803. I read the news of Louisiana’s purchase to the United States to my house. Lestat gives the French five years to reclaim the territory, but is optimistic about the growth of the city and the number of souls dwelling within it. Claudia is disinterested and plays with her porcelain dolls. We are Americans.
1804. We call July 4th Independence Day for the first time. We watch the fireworks display on the Mississippi. When the lights flash in the sky, Claudia holds my hand tight. Later that night, Lestat brings drunken revellers to the Rue Royale rabble-rousing jibes about freedom. Their souls are claimed not soon after.
1834. A wealthy socialite imports fireworks from France for a private Independence Day celebration. Claudia prefers to stay at home, I go anyway. It is my first Fourth of July without her.
1968. I return to the Mississippi for the celebrations. The lights are brighter and the crowds larger. I stand at the same spot as I had more than a hundred and fifty years ago, but there are no small ringers wringing my wrist. When I return home, Lestat will not be there having surely perished years previous due to my own actions (how wrong I was). My loneliness is most potent than it has been in an age.
Alas, it seems I am determined to ruminate. At times I feel to a creature such as myself that all that remains precious are memories. Celebrate and remember those who have gone before us. Revere those who allowed so many here to enjoy and abuse the freedoms that were not brought upon so easily.
ooc: Mostly ignorant Australian here! If I have facts wrong please let me know!
1791. I have been damned for four months. Lestat tells me the states of the East are thinking about naming the fourth of July as a day of Independence. To my fault, his blathering is lost on me as I am victim to my preternatural senses.
1803. I read the news of Louisiana’s purchase to the United States to my house. Lestat gives the French five years to reclaim the territory, but is optimistic about the growth of the city and the number of souls dwelling within it. Claudia is disinterested and plays with her porcelain dolls. We are Americans.
1804. We call July 4th Independence Day for the first time. We watch the fireworks display on the Mississippi. When the lights flash in the sky, Claudia holds my hand tight. Later that night, Lestat brings drunken revellers to the Rue Royale rabble-rousing jibes about freedom. Their souls are claimed not soon after.
1834. A wealthy socialite imports fireworks from France for a private Independence Day celebration. Claudia prefers to stay at home, I go anyway. It is my first Fourth of July without her.
1968. I return to the Mississippi for the celebrations. The lights are brighter and the crowds larger. I stand at the same spot as I had more than a hundred and fifty years ago, but there are no small ringers wringing my wrist. When I return home, Lestat will not be there having surely perished years previous due to my own actions (how wrong I was). My loneliness is most potent than it has been in an age.
Alas, it seems I am determined to ruminate. At times I feel to a creature such as myself that all that remains precious are memories. Celebrate and remember those who have gone before us. Revere those who allowed so many here to enjoy and abuse the freedoms that were not brought upon so easily.
ooc: Mostly ignorant Australian here! If I have facts wrong please let me know!