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.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Brown Avatar
June 3, 2010 at 11:14 AM
Congratulations on your poetry making it through the first round Deborah. I wish you the best in the finals. Love, Carol
 Avatar
May 31, 2010 at 2:58 PM
Congratulations on making it through the first round of the Poetry Soup contest with this poem. Best wishes in the finals. Karen
Brown Avatar
May 12, 2010 at 3:09 AM
Congratulations on your featured write this week Deborah. Love, Carol
Fisher Avatar
May 10, 2010 at 1:56 PM
Many congrats on your featured piece this week. Rgds Janette
Fraser Avatar
May 9, 2010 at 2:36 PM
Congratulations on your fine poem being featured on the Soups Homepage Deborah >> James
Fraser Avatar
November 20, 2009 at 7:44 AM
What an uplifting poem Deborah, a modern generation cleansing a past generations spoil. I just so adore your poetry, you have a delightful way with words >> James
Bourner Avatar
November 19, 2009 at 7:01 PM
wonderful poem Deborah :) it brings to life a river. i'll hope you keep writing! ------Ell
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