Fall–

 birds flying away

From the silent flowing river on a cold clear day.

   The animals have deserted their work

To hibernate.

   And the first snow comes to tuck in the Missouri

Like a sleepy, yawning child

   Waiting for the return of spring.

Winter–

     bone-chilling on a

Quiet day as the sun shines and glistens

     On the ice-jammed river surface.

No one is near to visit the animals and there is

    Silence.

As December, January, February and March pass by

    And the wind howls and the snow falls.

Spring–

    a return to green grass;

A season of new babies, an awakening after a long

    winter’s nap.

        The river begins to break.

And the smell of Spring

      brings people to fish once again

And savor the sunset.

   The Missouri smiles at them like a gentle but

Stern lady.

     Watching warmth return

And a new bustle of activity commences.

Summer–

   hot, sultry days

On the banks the birds bask in the sun.

   The river barges are busy

And the boaters and fishermen add to golden memories

   As each other grows older and wiser

Like the great wide river.