Making the most of what little they had, the nineteenth-century Acadians existed in a time and place marked by simplicity. Contentment and purpose were found in the call of steeple bells, the fleetingness of childhood innocence, and the duty to “add what you can to the life you live.” Characters throughout this collection of poetry are an embodiment of the early settlers that braved rigorous challenges, creating a home in the swamps of the South.
Overcoming the boundaries of time and of language, these free-verse compositions are recorded in both the residents’ native French and adopted English. A tourist attraction known as the Acadian Village, in Lafayette, Louisiana, became an important resource to poet Elaine Carmichael Crump. In this authentic re-creation of an 1800s community, she discovered the ingenuity and resilience of a people with few resources.
The title of the book is taken from the name of a tree common in Acadiana. As prevalent as weeds, and producing fruit impossible to eat, the trees garnered appreciation from the residents in spite of the annoyances they caused. Although the overall terrain was unforgiving, the Acadians found joy in small moments, instances of happiness, and jewelry created from the hard fruit of the Chinaberry tree.
About the Author
Elaine Carmichael Crump lived in Lafayette, Louisiana. Her poetry has been published in the Monroe (LA) Morning World and in her first book, Reflections from My Heart. She was listed in the 1972-73 edition of the International Who’s Who in Poetry.
About the Illustrator
Bert Bertrand, a native of Lafayette, Louisiana, has lived in Baton Rouge since the 1960s. Members of his family settled in Louisiana before 1750, and, since 1810, they have lived in the Lafayette area.
CHINABERRY BEADS
By Elaine Carmichael Crump
Illustrated by Bert Bertrand
POETRY / American
128 pp. 5 3/4 x 8 3/4
7 illus. 3rd ptg.
ISBN: 9780882892283