Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Where Angels Fear to Tread (not about the book) (09/08/11)
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TITLE: A Time for War and a Time for Peace | Previous Challenge Entry
By Karen Pourbabaee
09/14/11 -
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I ambled slowly along the ancient streets lined with overhanging balconies spilling pools of mysterious shadows before me. The thick humid Louisiana air engulfed me and I took slow deep breaths to ease my palpitating heart. Pulsating jazz rhythms wafting from the street clubs were offensive to my ears. All I wanted was tranquility. Though it may sound ironic, maybe today I would find it here deep within the French Quarter.
With a deep sigh, I opened the large crimson wooden door as bells jingled to announce my arrival to Marie LeDoux’s House of Voodoo.My dearest friend, Angelle, assured me that with the aid of the high priestess and the Loa gods, I would attain the revenge I was seeking…no, desiring desperately!
The pungent aroma of incense and fragrant essential oils rendered me so lightheaded that I clung to a metal post in the center of the house. I opened my eyes to the sight of a candle-lit altar and a woman gently fanning me as I reclined on a sofa.
“You alright, dear? ”
“Uh, yes, I think so…”
“Have a cool drink of water, den tell me what done brought you to my house, mademoiselle. I’m Marie, the high priestess.”
How did she know I was a mademoiselle, an unmarried woman? Did I look that young? I’m twenty one and have already been married and would still be if it wasn’t for her, the woman who enticed my Charles away from me. Part of her trickery came with the announcement of her baby-to-be. Charles was won over and brought me back to the doorstep of my parent’s St. Charles home one day, toting bags with all my possessions. Humiliation and anger…they were my closest companions these days.
“Miss Marie, my friend advised me to see you…you do perform black magic, yes?”
“For a price, mademoiselle.”
“Dollars are of no concern. There’s no price on tranquility. It has been six months and I must find rest from this war within my soul.” I related all the particulars of my situation as Marie listened intently, nodding with understanding at times.
“Let’s begin. First we must give offerings to Legba, guardian of da spirit world. He opens da gate to da other spirits.”
“What offerings does he require?”
“Ah, child, jus watch me.” Marie brought a cup of strong black coffee (no sugar she said) to the altar first.
“Papa Legba also like his tobacco pipe and when he done with dose pleasures, he likes his grilled meats and yams, honey.”
With everything prepared as the Loa desired, she motioned me to kneel with her at the altar. Opening a large ornate book, Marie began to chant rhythmically, first softly, then wailing loudly.
This didn’t feel so tranquil.
When incantations were complete, she left for a moment, returning with a small cloth doll which I recognized as a voodoo doll from all these New Orleans tourist shops.
“Ready to proceed?” she asked, offering me the doll and several large pins.
“Let me think a moment. I’m not so sure.”
“OK, dear, Legba has opened da spirit world to you and I done my part as the high priestess. You can take da voodoo doll wit you.” She explained what steps I should take, placing the doll, pins, and a final incantation in the juju bag.
“Hope you find da peace, mademoiselle.”
“Yes, merci, “ I stammered as I paid her fee.
Closing the crimson door, I walked briskly toward Jackson Square and the coffee-scented air hit me as I turned the corner enroute to Café du Monde. I needed a good strong cup of café au lait and time to think.
As I leisurely sipped from the steaming cup, I wondered if I had made a mistake today by pursuing revenge in hopes of finding peace. I couldn’t shake this eerie evil presence all around me. I prayed to the one true God for help.
My mind wandered to last Sunday mass’ gospel reading, ”There is an appointed time for everything…A time for war and a time for peace.” (1) This humiliation, anger, and desire for revenge was a battle within my soul. This time of war needed to end.
I soon found myself walking along the Mississippi River bank, releasing the juju bag with its evil intentions into the drifting waters.
“Forgive me Lord and protect me from evil. Amen.”
The pealing bells of the St. Louis Cathedral resounded in my spirit, announcing my time of peace.
Scripture Reference:
(1)Ecclesiastes 3:1,9 NAS
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