Poetry Prompt
My Tribute to a Lifelong Fascination With Clouds in the Sky
Nature’s wonder — and a warning
Heaven’s above what was I thinking Gazing at clouds While the world was sinking What are these shrouds Carbon emissions Or cirrus and cumulus Natural transition of Water to vapor White wool in the sky Turning grey when it’s ready to cry?
I see traces of faces Hiding in there Imagined in childhood Oh look, there’s a bear A rabbit, a girl Laughing and playing But the sea is rising What am I saying?
As I view nature’s wonders I’m driven to ask As we deplete our planet How long will they last?
As a small child, my favorite poem was Johnny-Head-In-Air by Heinrich Hoffmann (1809–1894).
The first lines went:
“As he trudged along to school, It was always Johnny’s rule To be looking at the sky And the clouds that floated by…”
Johnny was always looking at nature around him, instead of where he was walking. This habit lead to his falling in the river!
Clouds have always fascinated me. Even today, I see faces and friendly creatures in the light and shadows created by the sun’s rays.
When I owned a decent camera, I preferred recording nature over people and took many photos of clouds, the seashore and mountains. Only a few survive — such as the one I use on my profile page!
Today, many clouds contain toxic emissions from coal-fired power plants (acid rain, sleet or snow), industrial and manufacturing operations. The emissions from volcanoes, wildfires and forest fires pale by comparison.
Air pollution is the 4th highest risk contributor to annual deaths — around 5-million according to the World Health Organisation. The highest incidence occurs in middle and low-income countries where many use fossil fuels such as paraffin for cooking.
Let’s push forward the agenda for clean energy before the clouds become threatening rather than a pleasure to behold!
I thank the following writers for their stories about the sky:
A little music from Sting to send you on your way!
Thank you for being here!
PS: What do you see in those clouds!
