I’m no Mark Twain, but I can say that we both have found creative inspiration from the muddy Mississippi River. In the 1800s, Twain wrote books such as, Life on the Mississippi and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, based on his experiences growing up and piloting steamboats along the river.
On July 4, 2000, I sat on the river bank, near downtown Baton Rouge, LA, and watched a colorful fireworks display with my brother and my daughter. I was fascinated by the river’s strength and serene beauty. As we waited for the sky to darken and the light show to begin, I took this photo of the mighty Mississippi just before the sun set. “Old Man River” inspired me to write this poem:
GOING WITH THE FLOW
When you hit a bump along the way and it knocks you off your mark, just relax, change your course and go with the flow.
If you’re swimming with the fishes and you’re moving way too slow, you may have to change your pace to catch up with the flow.
When an unexpected challenge tries to pull your spirits down, believe in yourself, work to your strengths and you will never drown.
Don’t let them sink your ship in the water and never get too low, everyone can be a winner if they master their own flow!
