American Chordata: Magazine of New Writing Issue One, Spring 2015 | Page 53

Tammy Mercure
Selections from Immortals
“Time in New Orleans flows differently. It is closer to the
end of the world as we know it. People are compelled to
be the biggest version of themselves while it lasts. The
Immortals are present. The city is known for Dionysus, with
the revelry of Mardi Gras and the drunkenness of Bourbon
Street, and Poseidon is known to wreak havoc. But Artemis,
too, makes her presence known, the 504 boys riding
their steeds on the city streets, and Hera whispers in our
ears, keeping empires alive despite interstates fracturing
the city. The past, present, and future shake hands and it is
beautiful to see.”
—Tammy Mercure

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