Remnants of the Past

Along the eroding banks of the Minnesota River Lies a tranquil scene that will make you shiver Where nature and man join together as one Entwined around debris that time has spun. Acre upon acre farther than the eye can see Hidden underground rusted metals flee Bogged down by mud time stands still Where trees and brush continue to spill. A historical town with stories to tell Of steamboats landing under yesterday’s spell Where mills and founderies drowned in the past Mastered by floods the river cast. In the quiet river valley where eagles soar The support of volunteers continue to pour With trucks and skid loaders they renovate the land Removing the debris once left by man. The hum of equipment echoes throughout Giving nature a chance to sprout Where metal and tires layer each other Showcasing debris nature and time will smother. Piece by piece the past is removed But the power of the river still carves its groove Where the trains lone whistle echoes each day And natures growth still guides the way. Today the river continues to fight back Claiming its territory with a sedimentary attack Wave after wave it buries the past Leaving behind a mark that will last. Along the eroding banks of the Minnesota River Lie remnants of the past that will make you shiver Where nature and man grow together as one And tales of progress are diligently spun.