River Story: Deep Freeze

Today it is bone-chillingly cold
But dogs and their owners are intrepid
So I bundle up for our daily walk
And we head down to the river anyhow

My dog Lola is unaffected by the cold
Though her coat is not luxurious
She has produced a little frost beard this morning
And lifts her paws in a brisk, attractive way

The mighty Mississippi was brown with mud two days ago
But this morning, thick ice reaches from shore to shore
Snow devils whirl and twist across its surface
The ducks and the geese are silent

I throw a stick for Lola, and it hovers in the air
As if it can’t push through
The trees are groaning, the ice is snapping
Lola’s stick finally crashes to the ground

Suddenly wind fills the river valley
In a cheek-puffing exhale of such strength
I think it must have come from the top of the world
Gathering force as it surged across the ice fields of the Arctic

Every now and then someone will ask me how I can stand it here
But I know I will never leave
Like the wind that came to rest in the river valley this morning
This is the place I call home.

by Margie O’Loughlin
Written February 8th, 2008 (Must have been a good winter that year...)

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.