~ May, 2014 ~
It is my hope to share with you here, as frequently as possible, some lovely visuals (see page, The Beauty of the Shannon) and my more poetic thoughts regarding this jewel of a river.
My advocacy for this worthy cause, over a period of almost two years now, has brought about an interesting development on a deeper level than mere environmental conservation. I've come to love this river. I reflect so often, these days, on the many ruined bodies of water here in the U.S. These are most demoralizing and depressing sights to behold. I would always wish to spare other people that type of environmental degradation, and the ugliness of garbage-strewn riverbanks, walkways, and side paths. Much construction, development, and processing of natural venues always runs this risk, requiring increasing vigilance and maintenance as time goes on.
I love the River Shannon because it radiates a sweetness, a purity, an innocence. It reflects an enduring strength of all the culture and history which has sprung up around it. It characterizes a homeland. Just the way it is, it's part of the fabric of memories of a people . . . all of the lovely things that a beloved grandparent would relate to a beloved grandchild. May the River Shannon be there, as she has been for so long, just as she is, to receive the admiring glances of Ireland's now and future children, and of all the visitors from afar who seek her beauty and her peace.
