In at least 250 words, respond to some or all of the prompts below:
1. How does Komunyakaa discuss the past and the present at the same time? Why does this matter to the meaning of this poem?
2. Komunyakaa uses some very specific New Orleans references. Identify a couple of them and provide a definition as well as some interpretation of what they add to the poem.
3. How do dialect and musicality present in this poem? Why do these elements matter?
4. What do you think Komunyakaa is saying about New Orleans in the past, during the storm, and into the future? What kind of affection does he offer the city? What kind of criticism?
