River of Blessings

David Marquis is a long-time committed activist for environmental and social change in the Dallas area. He is the author of I Am A Teacher (Simon & Schuster), which became a series of widely performed plays. He founded the Oak Cliff Nature Preserve in Dallas and has consulted with the Texas Conservation Alliance since 2011. The first book in this series, The River Always Wins, was published by Deep Vellum in 2020.

“The water in our veins, as David Marquis tells us, is the water of the world. Take a journey on this lovely freshet of prose, and you might find something astounding, something you didn’t even know you were looking for. Marquis is a holy man of the flowing stream, a riparian prophet, and a damn good spiritual river guide.” —Doug J. Swanson, author of Cult of Glory“David's lyrical voice has nurtured and guided generations of conservationists and activists in Texas and worldwide, helping them find the grace and encouragement to travel further into The River of Blessings. He provides a timely and much needed reminder that our lives—and the lives of those that came before us—are part of a continuous current that guides us to a more just and sustainable future.” —James McGuire, the Texas State Director of The Nature Conservancy“A lovely paddle through life’s river. David has lived a long and interesting life, and has the wisdom to look back and see the blessings and the eloquence to recount them in a compelling, lyrical way. As someone who has spent a lifetime thinking about water, I know that water is equal parts practical life giver and mystical highway. David is deeply attuned to both and sings a beautiful story.” —Tim Dekker, environmental and water resources engineer“David’s soulful writing offers a timeless testament that flows like a river. He reminds us that blessings are reciprocal, and that the symbiotic bond between water and humanity inextricably ties us together as one. Through the blessings of both, we can soothe our souls and give us hope for the future.” —Janette Monear, President and CEO of the Texas Trees Foundation“The River of Blessings conveys the important reminder that we often take the natural world around us for granted, and yet it can be the greatest teacher and provider of life and gratitude. Once again, David Marquis’ poetry is powerful, poignant, and lasting . . . it leaves the reader eager to go outside, enjoy the simple pleasures of falling rain or a passing stream, and appreciate all the ups and downs of life.” —Calvert Collins-Bratton, Communities Foundation of Texas