Tupa tupa!

In Shrimp Town, the fun never stops!

Halfway through Lent, as if our souls cannot fathom

a stretch of grey or a sober mood for three weeks or more, 

we celebrate again just for a day, 

in a little sunburst.  St. Joseph, who rescued Mary and

the baby Jesus from Herod's grasp, has taken us away

for a little more revelry.

The grocery store has set up an altar by the deli

and if, on St. Patrick's Day two days before, we were all Irish,

in green so as not to be pinched,

this day we are all Italian amidst the breads 

and fish

and bread shaped like fish

the flowers

and bowls of fava beans

and the candles.

The Irish priest from the church down the block came to bless the altar.

The American girls read the story of the peasants of Sicily.

The little ones, dressed like angels, went knocking on doors asking for food.

St. Joseph answered, and we feasted.

The angels had fig cookies and oranges.

And then it was Lent again — but it is not too long until Easter.