The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association wishes everyone a "Susquehanna Silent Night"

After an extremely busy year of programs, protections and promotions, taking a short pause during the holiday season offers a vital opportunity to reflect, bask in the blessings of our donors and volunteers and look ahead to what will be an important 2025 -- our association's 10th anniversary.

Thankfully, lyricist and poet Bill Dann captures the essence of that pausing period of reflection told through the lens of the Susquehanna River via his Songs of the Susquehanna 2021 submission "Susquehanna Silent Night." Check out the piece in the following video, compiled by Michael Kinney. Lyrics are shared below the video.

Susquehanna Silent Night by Bill Dann

A solemn haven lies listless among winter's frigid grasp
Undaunted by the elements, for soon this too will pass
As leaves of autumn cycle fading early colors bright
So is this fleeting moment of a Susquehanna Silent Night.

The big river glides lazily amid heaven's frozen mist
Enrobing vegetation with her subtle icy kiss
I stand agaze at Lockport, water shimmering in the light
Adrenaline warms my soul, for it's a Susquehanna Silent Night.

Snaking through the Endless Mountains in the Allegheny Plateau,
She graces Clinton County's banks as easterly she goes
A symbol of our heritage, I marvel at her might
And thank God for a peaceful Susquehanna Silent Night

This most gracious host of summer takes a hard-earned winter rest
And I wonder if we realize just how much we are all blessed
To live along her humble banks when everything is white.
Let us never take lightly our fortune of a Susquehanna Silent Night.

While the city is finally abuzz with the bustle of the season,
Bound for the Chesapeake, she flows on – no rhyme or reason,
On a mission unexplained, as a bird taking flight
We're so glad to be a part of a Susquehanna Silent Night. 

For just one magic moment, all is frozen here in time
As a vapor in December, her appearance is sublime
She stands for all that's good at home in the clutch of winter's bite
Oh, how rare indeed to splendor in a Susquehanna Silent Night.

From Otsego Lake to Maryland and all points in between,
Her majestic domain is unequalled as Pennsylvania's reigning queen
This year we wish you love and all the visions in your sight,
But more than this, may God grant you a Susquehanna Silent Night.

The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association will soon be sharing a post to reflect on what has been a milestone year in 2024 for our association and connected projects, an update on the US Fish and Wildlife Service's proposal for endangered status for the Eastern Hellbender and much more about efforts to better protect our watershed. 

However, for now, we take a moment to pause, reflect and wish each of you a Susquehanna Silent Night.

Contact Riverkeeper John Zaktansky via email or make a completely tax-deductible year-end donation to our association by clicking here.