Dear Editor:

It is not surprising that we are drawn to the breathing waters of a tidal river. In fact our very existence begins in a womb of water where we float in warmth. Our bodies are full of and rely upon water every day. You may think that the water is hidden by the skin and bones, but even skin has 64 percent of water and the bones have 31 percent. Add to that the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, and muscles, and you have a good idea of the role water plays in our lives.

I miss the rhythm of the Sheepscot River tidal ebbs and flows. I understand the pain of broken promises. I see how and why the Penobscot Nation feels connected to a river protected by their family for generations over 500 years. After all, if drought-stressed plants make noises as cell structures, break down from a lack of water traveling from the roots to the leaves, imagine the pain suffered by the Penobscot Nation whose ancesterstoral lives depended upon use of the long stream of running clean water. The water is their source of food and the highway to their homes and their neighbors.

Maine is extremely fortunate that these stewards of the second longest river, when including west and south branches, came with integrity to protect and share the waters. They arrived long before new settlers with an inherent understanding that greed was the greatest enemy. Unlike government stewardship where  lead and chemicals have permeated, bringing harm to families and children, we benefited from Penobscot knowledge that clean water was essential for plants, animals, and humans. Because of the Penobscot stewardship the river continues providing clean water for the soul of Maine

Jarryl Larson

Edgecomb