There Used to Be a River Here by Paul Murray is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the inevitability of change. Through the imagery of a once vibrant river, the poem captures the deep connection between memory and place, evoking feelings of loss and nostalgia. The river, once teeming with life and youthful adventure, is now gone, leaving behind only dry remnants and echoes of the past. Written in memory of the poet's mother, the poem mirrors the ebb and flow of life itself, where the landscapes of our youth slowly transform, much like the people we love. Both a personal lament and a universal meditation, this piece contemplates the beauty and impermanence of nature, life, and memory.