clouds

a landscape within itself. 

rugged mountains, eddies pooling

in salty seas, trails ablaze 

weaving through ripples. 

each layer peeling back as we

sink lower to reality,

yet each layer brings a new 

terrain. 

the sun casts deep auburn 

across the endless stretch,

creating faux sand dunes or 

whatever your mind pleases to

create.

I wish I could reach out 

to just feel, 

even though I would grasp 

thin air. 

something I could watch for hours,

even wake up to. 

though other might find it 

distasteful, 

to me it's an alternate 

world. 

a new layer brings 

anger and worry,

heavy clouds drowning 

us into puffs, turbulance 

teasing our plane.

my insides threaten to 

scratch up my throat 

after what feels like riding on

constant cycle. 

smells become amplified 

beyond capacity.

apple lotion, bubbling coke zero,

and chlorine. 

rushing up my nose 

begging at the walls of my 

brain to surge through, 

and headache kicks in. 

the muted chatter 

rows ahead mixed with

the whining engine makes my

hands bead with sweat.

the rough contact with

worn concrete screams 

we made it,

and relief soothes the 

waves,

subsiding.