Wasn't it just yesterday we fished all day and munched on the wild raspberries growing by the river's side?

Wasn't it just yesterday we splished and splashed in the cool, refreshing waters on a hot summer's day?

Wasn't it just yesterday we spied the great blue herons and the ducks and geese and the big turtles, too?

Wasn't it just yesterday we returned to our spot to find our way blocked by a rusted old shopping cart?

Wasn't it just yesterday we splished and splashed among the soggy paper and the floating plastic to name just a few?

Wasn't it just yesterday we fished and caught not a thing by bits of tin and tires and trash?

Wasn't it just yesterday we saw the sign "Warning — Combined Sewer Overflow" posted near our river place of peace and play?

And isn't is just today we vow to restore and protect and preserve the Big Blue River for all to share?

And isn't it just today we say we will renew this river of our dreams and play there once again — someday very soon?