May 23, 2003 LEWIS’ OHIO When he took his boat from Pittsburgh, He floated her on the Ohio. Once away from the steel city to come, The river was a natural delight. Beavers frolicked on the shore, And deer ambled through the forests. Fish could be had for any meal, And the water was fit to drink. If a bath was needed, it took only a swim, And the buildings were tents and cabins. If Lewis were to make his trip along today’s Ohio, His sense of nature, and all that’s natural Would grossly be offended. Not only would he miss his animals, His quiet, his peace and his resource, He would find this mighty shoreline Congested with man and man’s things., Who’s to say if this is right or wrong, But one can certainly wonder – If this is right, why all the rust, And why is so much missing. Ron