Bayous

September 25bayous;bayou teche;breaux bridge

I am thankful for bayous. A bayou is defined as a slow moving river, generally in marshy areas. They are commonly found around the low lying areas near the Gulf of Mexico or in the Mississippi River basin. Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and East Texas have many bayous. I think Florida may also in the southern regions. Bayous are similar to rivers but romantically, you think of brackish water, Spanish moss draped trees, marsh, and alligators. Bayous evoke a Cajun culture.

This photo is of Bayou Teche at Breaux Bridge. The gazebo on the left is on the Visitor Center's grounds. Monday's (Sept 23) photo was taken on the bridge over Bayou Teche. This photo was taken looking south from the bridge at sunset. Bayou Teche begins in Port Barre, Louisiana, and flows 125 miles to Berwick, where it empties into the Atchafalaya River.

The poem below is composed of the lyrics from my attempt at writing a Cajun song many years ago. I love the spirit of Cajun music but I've never lived on the bayou, nor had a Cajun girlfriend, so this song is not personal. But my wife was born in New Orleans, so that must count for something. The song was pretty far along but still unfinished (two verses were written), so I just finished it with the last verse and the chorus. 

cajun girlfriend

sittin’ by the bayou

waitin’ for the sun

if i catch some crawfish

i could have some fun

boil ‘em in the morning

eat ‘em at ten

save a pound or two

for my cajun girlfriend

chorus:

my cajun girlfriend

my cajun girlfriend

what more can this ole boy want

than life on the bayou

spiced with a cajun girlfriend

i’m just a poor boy

i know my worth

i’ll never ‘mount to anything

i know my worth

but in this ole world

if there’s anything i need

i’ll just catch it and cook it

or plant it from the seed

sittin’ by the bayou

pullin down my cap

after the work i’ve done

i just need a nap

sleep for an hour or two

wake up and then

have a little date

with my cajun girlfriend

repeat chorus

© rt tulley