From placid pools to sizzling rapids, a river combines the different forces of nature into one single marvel. Running with the might of a tiger, swerving with the agility of an antelope, and destroying with the power of dynamite, the spring-fed river is both a natural habitat for animals and a scene of great beauty to be admired. Choosing for its home a remote location in central Missouri, the Current River slithers through masses of lush forest, fleeing from the highlands as if death were on its tail. This is the life of the Current River all the way from its birth in the chilly bubbling springs.
With its smooth crystalline skin covering the river when it is wide and deep, the river gives the illusion of a quiet, peaceful place, but it is often deceptive. Underneath its calm skin flows a powerful current that explodes into the air off of rocks when the river becomes thin or shallow. The casual observer is not the only one carried away by its deception; the trees and rocks are likewise deceived. Under the guise of a friendly, helpful neighbor, the Current River befriends the trees and rocks in the area by feeding the trees water and flowing over the strong rocks. As time passes, the river slowly carves into the rocks and bank to obtain more space. Whole trees are ripped from the ground and flung across the river, and rocks are cut into tiny fragments that line the banks in the form of sand.
The river does not, however, betray all of its friends; the fish find comfort and peace in the strong currents of the Current River. From tiny flashing minnows to huge black catfish, the Current River teams with fish. The icy claws of the deep spring-fed water protect the big fish from the unwelcome heat of the sun. The calm shallow waters near the banks of the river provide the minnows with a warm home.
Birds and beasts enjoy the presence of the river as a means of their sustenance. Large birds of prey like hawks, falcons, and herons feast on the fish and minnows that live in the waters. Smaller songbirds find the cool spring water a refreshing place in which they can bathe or drink. Other times, the river’s soft swishing or roaring thunder provides the perfect background for their musical overtures. Also, animals like mink, armadillo, and raccoon find delicious food and drink in the shallows of the Current River.
Animals, birds, and fish are not the only ones who enjoy the Current River. People flock to it like bees to sweet honey. Manning rafts, kayaks, and canoes, they enjoy the beauty and wonder of the river. Whether paddling down stream, picnicking along the bank on smooth sand, or swimming in its icy waters, the Current River provides an exciting place to get away from the turmoil of life and relax. Lush bushes and trees adorn the river just as beautiful flowers in a vase adorn a table. The birds, fish, and other woodland animals add to the beauty of the whole scene. When combined together, the place takes on the look of a masterpiece of a master painter—the masterpiece of God Himself.
The Current River, in all of its beauty, will always hold a special place in my heart. Its combination of power with tranquility, destruction with enrichment, and danger with protection always serve to amaze me. As I think of it now, I remember the canoe trip my family and I had for our vacation. Recalling the fun, frolic, and conversation we had on that trip down the river served to further enhance the memory of the river itself. In the middle of nowhere, this river becomes the somewhere I wish to be.
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