Notes About The Poem

I traveled to this lovely area with my son for my daughter's graduation from army boot camp, she became an army nurse.

Mississippi Moments

Mississippi Moments

History journeys along with its meandering flow as
a wide birth from bank to bank has eyes straining
trying to see across to the other side, far too wide.
Muddy rivulets stirred up by the river boats drift by
and my dreams become intertwined with what
I have read and the sleepy house boats floating near 
the banks that the river dwellers call home.

A huge stainless steel arch with its catenary curve 
looms gracefully nearby as a gateway of welcome,
built as a monument to Thomas Jefferson and the
pioneers who braved making their way to St. Louis, 
why it is fondly called “the Gateway to the West.”
I felt as if the Arch was paying homage to the mighty
Mississippi with its tall shadow falling on her erratic waters.

Children were waving from the banks at contented tourists 
waving back as they drifted slowly by and time stood still 
with the music of the river taverns mingling with the 
contrasting sounds of riverboat whistles, and I drifted along 
with them sensing serene pleasure into another time and place.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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George   Avatar
July 2, 2014 at 5:49 AM
There is no other River like it. A very spiritual place. You have captured its essence in this beautiful narrative, Connie. Thank you for sharing. Lainie
Carrillo Avatar
June 29, 2014 at 9:41 PM
This is very nicely written. I have never been to Mississippi, but it sounds like a place to visit and learn about it's history. Thanks for sharing... Lucilla
Dietrich Avatar
June 16, 2014 at 3:02 PM
finally saw y our note to me in a reply here, Connie. how exciting to become an army nurse! I hope this day finds you well. And keeping your hubbie in my prayers. Luv, Andrea
Vaso Avatar
June 13, 2014 at 10:55 PM
When I read this I feel as if I am there! Beautiful poem!
Kilmer Avatar
June 13, 2014 at 9:10 PM
'The old man', 'The big Muddy', from north to south a river that ran like vein through this land. Measuring mens hearts and dreams. People lived and died for that river. It was in antebellum days the war of the west. Grant was general and until being called to Virginia he held it well. We that grew up there remember it differently. Nevertheless a great write. I question you on your knowledge of such a great river and it's history. ~Kilmer
Marcum Wong Avatar
June 13, 2014 at 10:13 PM
Thank you for your comment Stephen. I am only speaking of a moment, my moment and how I felt when visiting the area. I know there is a great history connected to the river as I mention in my first line. I thank you for adding some interesting information for others to enjoy too. Alpha, Connie Read About this poem comment.
Anish Avatar
June 10, 2014 at 10:05 PM
Nice tribute to that fabled river! Peace & Love Matthew Anish
Andresen Avatar
June 8, 2014 at 3:41 PM
- A pleasant poem to read, Connie :) - skilfully written and a beautiful picture to share - oxox // Anne-Lise :)
Marcum Wong Avatar
June 8, 2014 at 3:51 PM
Thank you kindly Anne Lise. Aloha, Connie
Dietrich Avatar
June 8, 2014 at 11:05 AM
wow, Connie, OUTSTANDING new verse from you. I grew up on a Mississippi river front city, so I can really relate to this. Such nostalgia in tis one. FAVE. and soupmail.
Marcum Wong Avatar
June 8, 2014 at 2:38 PM
Oh, thanks so much for fav'ing this Andrea. I left a note in "about this poem" that says my son and I traveled there to attend my daughter's graduation from Ft. Leonard wood army boot camp. She became an army nurse. So glad you liked this.
Christian Avatar
June 8, 2014 at 10:19 AM
Lovely poem Thanks for your kind comment on my poem
Watson Avatar
June 8, 2014 at 8:31 AM
Simply beautiful , You took me right along with you , I loved the journey .
Lindley Avatar
June 8, 2014 at 8:26 AM
My mother was from the big M. Tupelo to be exact. Great scenery there and loads of hills too. A great narrative write my friend!!!! BRAVOOOO!!
Puddifoot Avatar
June 8, 2014 at 6:44 AM
this is very good narrative verse; so many poems labelled as narrative are actually not, but here you have nailed it, and painted a very vivid and interesting picture of this famous river and the surrounding area...btw thanks for your uplifting comments; neither of those two poems did well in the contests; lucy's diary was an HM and the nonet didn't place at all...thanks, too, for the info and link you gave, I'll certainly check it out :)
Marcum Wong Avatar
June 8, 2014 at 3:56 PM
Thank you very much Charlotte. In the "about this poem section" I mention that my son and I visited there when my daughter graduated Army Boot camp at Ft. Leonard wood, Mo. She became an army nurse. Aloha, Connie
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