Children of the River Play on the Banks

One summer evening I came to this spot with my singing group to practice our music. Our song was about another river, near the Black Sea. We sang

The children of the river play on the banks...

For a long time, I thought the line talked about children playing on the banks of the river. But the deeper meaning is that we are all children of the river. Literally, we all drink the river's water. We are the river.

O river, special river, looking at us with passionate love...

I love this line — it's such an incredible idea. What if it was real?

That summer evening as the sky turned pink and the smooth waters rushed by we practiced receiving that loving gaze while we sang. For a moment, I felt a hint of it. With that taste, I'm always curious to experience more. I am the child of the river, receiving the river's passionate love.

by Emily Jarrett Hughes

The River Story Map

Created and coordinated by volunteer extraordinaire Michael Bischoff, the River Story Map kicks off FMR's silver anniversary year with 25+ stories of friendship with and connection to the metro Mississippi.  These honest and personal reflections portray the river as a source of intrigue and adventure, a beloved date night venue, and even an unlikely partner in tales of loss and healing. We hope you enjoy them and consider adding your personal story of friendship with the Mississippi River.