Ride On a Cloud

I want to ride on a cloud,
floating lighthearted and free
above soaring peaks and springing forests
from sea to roiling sea …

Far above the maddening refrain
of the monotonous song of life
played in endless, illusory variation
on a scratchy, worn-out phonograph.

Silence would be my only companion –
well, more or less – perhaps I’d view
the occasional eagle or hawk on the prowl,
or an impertinent honking goose!

Traveling so close to heaven,
in spirit if not in deed,
barely aware of the passing hours,
I’d merge with the shifting breeze.

I wish I could ride on a cloud,
but I know it’s never to be;
my soul’s too weighted with earthbound cares
to ever just drift and dream.