RIVERS

Rivers: A Reflection of Life

The benefits of rivers

I grew up in Louisiana around an abundance of rivers, but it wasn’t until later in life that I realized what natural wonders they truly are. Rivers are a source of life, beauty, and inspiration. They have enormous benefits, and I’ll share a few of those here.

Rivers remind me of the power of nature.

Rivers are a symbol of life, providing essential resources vital for the health and well-being of our planet. They provide a habitat for a variety of plants and animals and are necessary for our ecosystems. Fish swim in their waters, birds fly overhead, and beavers build their dams, all relying on the river for their survival. Many trees and vegetation rely on seeds carried by rivers to be dispersed for thousands of miles.

The Mississippi River is the largest river in Louisiana. It’s 2,350 miles long and flows at varying rates through ten states. Its beauty is as varied and diverse as the environments through which it flows. Here in south Louisiana, it flows at a rate of about three miles per hour. It has a very strong current, which is why you won’t find many small boats. Most small watercrafts stay within the lakes or smaller rivers.

The Mississippi was important in the fight for Louisiana territory in 1803 when the state was purchased from the First French Republic. This river is the last port before the Gulf of Mexico and remains a major transportation mode vital to my local community.

The river floods part of its basin annually and drops sediment, which has created new land over thousands of years. New land is important, particularly when you live below sea level, and erosion is a constant concern. Many people are aware of the erosive effects of water, but I don’t think many realize river sediment can form new land.

This new land is very fertile, which allows for agriculture. It provides irrigation for crops and drinking water for communities. Rivers are a powerful example of the balance of nature.

Rivers bring me a sense of peace and calm.

“A woman in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing. She goes where she will without pretense and arrives at her destination prepared to be herself and only herself.” — Maya Angelou

Rivers are living entities, constantly changing and adapting to their surroundings. Observing these changes reminds me that one way to thrive in life is to be open to new experiences, flexible to change, and adapt. I can learn to accept the things I cannot change and make the best of what life has given me. In essence, I can go with the flow.

“You can’t argue with a river — it is going to flow. You can dam it up, put it to useful purposes, you can deflect it, but you can’t argue with it.“ — Dean Acheson

Spring through Autumn, I spend every other weekend in a cabin on a river. This is where I regroup, breathe in the fresh air, and take in the beauty of my surroundings. It’s a time of mental rest and relaxation.

As the river reflects the sky and trees that line its banks, I turn inward to deep reflection. The sparkling sunlight dances on the water, creating a shimmering effect that is both calming and mesmerizing.

I listen to the sounds of the river all around me. The flowing hum provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of my everyday life. It slows my racing thoughts and clears my mind of anxiety. It soothes me like a gentle lullaby, bringing peace and tranquility. I find a sense of renewal where I can wash away my worries and feel inner peace.

Rivers bring people together.

Rivers are a refreshing source of recreation. They offer opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating. It’s a place where people can come together and enjoy each other’s company amidst the beauty of nature.

I’ve met a lot of kind-hearted people who live alongside one of our local rivers. The above photo shows my boat on Blind River being towed by another boat at sunset. A rope was caught in the impellor of my boat, and I was stranded.

This nice gentleman towed my boat for over two hours and then drove me to the launch, where my truck was parked. I tried multiple times to pay him for his time and effort. He wouldn’t accept payment. I’ll never forget his words, “All I ask is for you to do the same as me and help someone if you ever come across a stranded boat.” Of course, I’ve encountered a few stranded boats since that day, and I helped them.

Rivers teach us that no one is an island. We all need help. Sometimes the current of life moves too swiftly, and we can become overwhelmed. Helping one another is a big part of local river life, and it’s a great lesson the river teaches.

My local rivers are home to a plethora of wildlife, including alligators. Louisiana is divided into east and west alligator hunting zones. The east zone opens the last Wednesday of August, and the west zone opens the first Wednesday of September. Each zone remains open for 60 days from the opening date. It’s common to see alligator bait hanging from cypress trees in the river during this time.

Despite the importance of rivers, they are often threatened by human activities such as pollution, over-extraction, and the destruction of their natural habitats. We must preserve these magnificent wonders. Let us be responsible stewards of the gift we have been given.

Rivers are a source of artistic inspiration

Rivers are a source of inspiration for artists, writers, and musicians. Their beauty has been captured in paintings, poems, and songs throughout the ages. There are many movies inspired by rivers, one of my favorites being “A River Runs through it.”

Rivers bring life to our creative energies and feed our hunger for self-expression. They have inspired mankind to ponder their parallels with nature and what wisdom can be gleaned from it.

“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river, and he’s not the same man.” — Heraclitus

“Beside the river, there are two things you never forget, that the moment you look at a river, that moment has already passed and that everything is on its way somewhere else.” — Niall Williams

Shall we gather at the river?

One of my father’s favorite songs to play on his guitar was “Shall We Gather at the River.” He was certainly a river man, and great peace shone on his face as he strummed and sang this song. Since his passing away last year, I can’t help but imagine him at peace, like a calm, beautiful river. I think of him when I hear these lyrics.

Shall we gather at the river? Where bright angel feet have trod With its crystal tide forever Flowing by the throne of God

Yes, we’ll gather at the river The beautiful, the beautiful river Gather with the saints at the river That flows by the throne of God

Soon we’ll reach the shining river Soon our pilgrimage will cease Soon our happy hearts will quiver With the melody of peace

Yes, we’ll gather at the river The beautiful, the beautiful river Gather with the saints at the river That flows by the throne of God

— Robert Lowry

In memory of my father, 1939–2022

In conclusion, rivers are true gifts of nature, full of beauty and wonder. They have the power to supply our needs, inspire and uplift us, and are vital for the health and well-being of our planet. Let us cherish and protect these magnificent wonders so they may continue to inspire and captivate us for future generations.

This has been my response to the Reciprocal prompt for the second week of February, “Flowing River.” I hope you’ve enjoyed it. I invite other writers here to share what flowing rivers mean to you.

Thank you for reading.

Mia Verita, 2023

Thank you to all the hard-working editors of Reciprocal, Sahil Patel, Dr. Preeti Singh, and Yana Bostongirl, for hosting this story.

Thank you, Sahil Patel, for this inspiring prompt.

Andrew Gaertner shared this heartfelt story about the Mississippi River.

Joyce Nielsen shared this lovely inspiring story about rivers.

Mia Verita enjoys time spent on the various rivers in her area. She enjoys photography, sketching, writing poetry, and sharing inspirational stories.

If you’d like to read all of Mia’s stories and those of other Medium members, you can join Medium using her affiliate link. She’ll receive a small portion of the membership fee at no additional cost to you.