river rat...

i drove home from quincy, illinois, the long way, and what an interesting way it was.

after squirreling around quincy's nooks and crannies, i made a stop in hannibal. then, i took the missouri version of the great river road, highway 79 south to clarksville. eagle days were happening this weekend and even though i didn't expect any eagles, several were still circling the lock at 2:30 in the afternoon. after hanging on the river with lots of photogs, i shot off down 79 to st. peters, and that was nearly home.

i never saw myself as being attached to st louis, or even thinking i would ever miss it. indeed, if i left, there would be much that i could live without, but i would miss the river.

i have a very strong tie to the river. i like to take trips alone along it, and today, i spent some time contemplating mark twain's huckleberry finn and tom sawyer, and what it means living on the mighty mississippi.

when i need to think, i find water. standing on a bluff watching it rush by, i can hear a call to explore that tugs so hard on my heart it steals my breath. but, i don't like the idea of leaving the banks either.

when i tried to lay down roots, i always felt the tug of the current. in the middle of winter, i look to the eagles, and i can feel the wind beneath their wings. maybe that's why i never quite feel settled. do i stay or do i go? do i have the strength to see what is around the bend? i'm a pisces--two fish swimming in different directions... who can't make a decision.

when i'm near it, i'm not afraid. in fact, i'm insanely bold. i love to take two lane highways that over look it too fast and climb bluffs to see where the waters meet. i always push a little farther... step a little too close... just a little more.

however, i respect the river. i know that one time, i could go too far. it doesn't give a rat's rump about me, and that's okay.