Fais Do-Do

It happens monthly in Bouligny Square
against the Teche we celebrate life
only joy no thoughts of striving there
jitterbugging fathers twirl each wife

the elders sit and smile in their folding chairs
recalling when they were hale and spry
sending grandchildren on ice-chest errands
we steal sips of beer like we are sly

the band they paint the air with joyful shades
cacophony of sweet sugar strokes
It will be several hours ere it fades
while from the bayou frogs sing raspy
croaks

the town puts down its differences this night
even bitter rivals are at peace
we find happiness en Francais chorus
troublemakers laugh with the police

this street-dance is our highest expression
brotherhood and sisterhood only
if you labor to make fine impressions
you’ll never have cause to be lonely

Oh New Iberia our dear mother
we thank you for such memories as these
we’re a family like no other
as we walk home beneath the live oak trees