Gross Tuesday, Then We Fast

In USA (and elsewhere, though
The images I see are from my
Own), it is the time of Mardi Gras

Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday
(Shriving meaning to divest), or
Fast Nacht—a fluid season before

The dryness of Lent, a day of excess
Substance before lean Lenten days
Commence, if only in perspective

Here in Pennsylvania, we have snow;
But in the deep South, look out:

A French and Creole, native, Caribbean
Mélange of festival—a celebration that
In winter shouts, We are still here

And, except for the crime, why not