What Is a River?

What is a river?
A river is the lifeblood of its land,
guardian of serenity,
pulse rocking to and fro,
cradle of life.

What is a river?
A river is the mind and heart of its people,
mirror of their values
muddied or pristine,
spilled or treasured.

What is a river?
A river is God's gift to all children
(newcomers to this earth),
liquid jewel entrusted to our hands,
shimmering in the sun.

What is a river?
A river is the bridge between Heaven and earth,
nurture flowing,
blessed thirst-slaking dew
traveling to and from the sky.


By Carolyn Marra
June 26, 2018

The Shannon: To See Her Is To Love Her

Having begun writing on behalf of the beautiful and dynamic River Shannon back in 2012, I knew that one day I would have to set eyes on this jewel of nature and nation.

That dream has now come true.  For the past three days I've been enjoying glimpses of the River Shannon from the city of Limerick.  I hope to travel more deeply into the country and view the Shannon from more rural regions, as well.

Here is a view of the Shannon -- literally from my own perspective as an American traveler to Ireland for the very first time:

How could anyone not love this sparkling source of life, livelihood, history?

People of Irish heritage, especially, throughout the world, please help the River Shannon Protection Alliance (RSPA) to protect this living legacy of Ireland.  Becoming aware of the proposed environmental threats to the River Shannon is the first step.  Potentially disastrous proposals to divert the water supply of the Shannon first originated in Dublin City Council and have now passed on to Ireland's national water utility, Irish Water.

As soon as possible, I will follow up this post with a document of detailed specifics regarding the current status of these proposals.  In the meantime, please read through my tabs for background on this issue, and head right over to the RSPA website.