25

Kings, Baby Dolls, Zulus, and Queens -- 7
Later a meeting was called in Johnny Metoyer's bedroom. His belongings had been removed, but his razor strop still dangled on one wall. A member, gazing at this sadly, remarked, 'John was the sahvingest man you wanted to see.'
At thirty-eight Reverent Foster Sair opened with a prayer.
'Lawd, we is back within the fold of the man who caused us to be. We is sittin' here in his domicile. Help us never to forget John L. Metoyer. Let us carry on the spirit of our founder. O Lawd, preserve our club. Make it bigger and better. Let no evil creep into it. Amen.'
Inspired by this, it was immediately decided that the ulus would 'carry on,' that there would be a parade this year, any way. Then Vice-President Charlie Fisher announced he was steppinginto the presidency, and that all other officers would advance in office in proper order.
Definite insults followed from those who disapproved.
'Shut up!' someone admonished them. 'You is talkin' about the President now.'
There was more argument and bickering in the meetings taht followed. Manuel Bernard, friend of Fisher, was at last chosen to be the 1940 king. AT this meeting the music box in the front bar wailed forth with 'The Good Morning Blues,' and dancers were kicking and stomping, twisting their supple bodies the way they felt. It disturbed the meeting a little, but someone said: 'Let the music play, 'cause the mournin' is over. We is all gotta do some flippin' around now.'
So the Zulus didn't fade out after all, but marched in high style in 1940, and Manuel Bernard, rocking back and forth on the high throne of his float, was a proud and happy man.
Finally the parade reached the City Hall and paused before the crowded stand. The white mayor wasn't present, but a representative recieved coconuts and a boy from his majesty. The band played 'Every Man a King,' Huey P. Long's song, and the dancing was wild. It was King Zulu's day.
The next long stop was at Dryades and Poydras Streets. A proprietor wof a beer parlor at that intersection presented the King with a silver loving cup containing champagne.
'Damn, that's good,' said His Majesty, and smacked his lips.