I grew up a short walk from the Mississippi River. When I moved away, I found that beyond family and friends, the thing I missed most was being able to ride my bike along its bank, feeding the ducks and geese, staring out across the waters and skipping stones while thinking through the issues of the day. I know most people have something they cling to, even if the romance of that piece of home really doesn’t exist.
No one bathes in the river anymore.
its waters have grown dark and deep
with the sins of all those
who have lived along her shores.
