-The Finale Of My Five Part River Odyssey-
“It’s strange how little has been written about the Upper Mississippi.
The river below St. Louis has been described time and time again.
But along the Upper Mississippi, every hour brings something new,
But few people ever think of going there.”
Mark Twain
We had now reached our final river destination
On a 2,000 mile journey from the Gulf of Mexico
We now stood at the very source of the Mississippi
And now being here, once more, truly thrilled me so
Dr. Henry Schoolcraft, who had also inspired Longfellow
Had identified this spot as the river’s source, back in 1832
And now, after completing our journey, from old New Orleans
Standing at the very source of its beginning, was a grand renewal
The ancient Ojibwa name for this sacred place is Omashkoozo-zaaga'igan
Which means ‘Elk Lake,’ but Schoolcraft changed its name to Lake Itasca
As my four dogs and I literally ‘walked across the mighty Mississippi River’
I once again experienced feelings of peacefulness, serenity, and absolute awe
There are truly so many natural wonders in this extremely beautiful nation of ours
And far too many of us today ignore their splendor, or don’t care about their welfare
As my dogs and I splashed all about in this most revered place, deep in the northwood
I was extremely grateful that throughout my life, I’ve taken the time to ‘get on out there’
As we finally said our final farewells to the awe inspiring Mississippi, for now
All of us crawling back into my truck, for the very lengthy ride back to our home
My dogs drifted off to sleep, while I thought about the impact this river has had on me
And I began reminiscing about old New Orleans, Twain, Pepie, and Longfellow’s poem
And These Were But A Few
Of The Many Truly Fascinating Places,
Along The Course of the Mighty Mississippi,
A River That Has Always Brought
Mystery, Magic, and History, To Me.
©2008, Mr. Ed
Share
Print
Save
Regis
And let's hope that ASPCA can get into the NE Texas area to rescue animals again (I hear people are getting out but I wonder about the pets?) The aftermath is always worse then it looks up front.
Like you Ed, I am in sheer awe of the Mississippi and the Big Easy.
Love the place to bits !
Peter
Love,
tiger lily
I commend you on a journey well done.
Peace, love, and light,
Amber "V"
Welcome back, but in doing so, drive carefully!
Georg
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
Love the ocean sound, too, but fear those along the Texas/Louisiana Gulf Coast aren't relishing its sound...sad. Say a prayer for them, and us -
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :D
Ike's knockin' (but he can't come innnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn....LOL)!
Sandie May :o)