Step into a world where nature and humanity intertwine in poignant and unexpected ways. What the River Was invites readers to journey through the flowing currents of memory, loss, and resilience. Drawing inspiration from the natural world and rural landscapes, Andrew McIver’s poetry explores themes of interconnectedness, environmental reverence, and the intimate beauty found in ordinary moments. From muskrats and barred owls to the hum of cicadas in the southern summer haze, McIver captures the pulse of life teetering between the wild and the human-made. These poems navigate questions of identity, belonging, and the delicate balance between destruction and renewal, all while celebrating the quiet strength of the river—a constant companion and witness to life's transformations.