I lived near this river all my life. From a small louisiana town closed to Vicksburg Ms to New Orleans La to Tennesee. Mark Twain talks about 2 ways to see the river. Well, I have three. This very I'm a river-child through and through. I have a trail I walk a few times a week along the river. And as I river child, I concur, if this river could speak it would have said everything you've written. Awesome piece, Joyce.