Crossing the Arkansas at Morning Rush

We move like snails,

I in my shell, you in your levees.

Dragged by morning light into its race,

I have no time for river reveries.

This morning race

Slowly lengthens our diverging ways,

Pushing me to places I must be;

While you just laugh and wile away your days.

In times gone by,

Men followed your lazy ways, my friend.

Ah for just one chance to sail you now!

One chance to sail the Arkansas again!

Past willowed banks,

Sailing on some ancient Delta Queen.

Yes, I have traveled you many times,

’til jealous morning chased away the dream.