I stand on this spot by the Rock River

I look across at trees on the opposite bank

Here at this spot the river runs wide, calm, and still

This marks one spot in a 299 mile-long river 

one moment of time happening in the river’s day

This river begins to the Northeast

as three branches that converge in a massive marsh

It heads southwest and

meanders through Wisconsin towns and countryside

It crosses the border into Illinois

and continues Southwest til it meets the Mighty Miss.

Towns have sprouted along this river

Its water used for industry, transportation, recreation

History happened along this river

from the Blackhawk War to ski jumping contests

Native Americans paddled canoes down the river

motorboats have towed water-skiers during ski shows

Fishermen caught fish in this river

walleye, channel catfish, smallmouth bass

I stand on this spot by the Rock River.