River Story: A Strong Brown God

The St. Louis-born poet T.S. Eliot described the Mississippi as a “strong brown god.” Some Dakota Indians consider our stretch of this mighty river — where it widens at the confluence with the Minnesota river — as the origin of the human race. I often feel the same sense of awe when gazing out over its waters while biking at the top of the gorge, or strolling around Wita Tanka (Pike Island).

I rarely take the river for granted, probably because I grew up in a small prairie city bereft of water. That made visits to my grandparents' house in Fort Madison, Iowa, all the more special because they lived just three blocks from the Mississippi. My father, brother and I would walk there and skip rocks until our arms grew sore.

A chance to live on the Mississippi was part of the appeal for me in moving to Minneapolis, and one reason I've stayed. I'm excited to live in the biggest metropolis on the world's most legendary river, and enriched by all the ways the Mississippi winds through my daily life. Whenever I cross it on foot, on bike or even on a frantic freeway, I try to remember this is a sacred place.

by Jay Walljasper
Jay writes, speaks and consults about building better communities

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.