Mississippi Midnight

I walked along the Mississippi shoreline at midnight Listening to distant barges groaning in the dark And thinking about Mark Twain Drifting down the river on a lazy summer day. It's the same old Mississippi he rafted on, The same course, just different water. Those lovers heard the barges groaning, too, I think Their inner ears occupied, duly registering The lapping against a solid-steel plate Restless walks the Mississippi after midnight. While early barges growl toward another steamy Summer day, a hint of Twain drifts through The trees like the subtle perfume the maiden wears They tell me you can buy anything Along the Mississippi at midnight. FIRST PLACE WINNER