Cloud Talk

Behold the small frame,
earthbound until recently,
now soars above us.

Mineral-fueled, they
look down on our topmost crowns.
Do they scorn our shield?

We cannot yet tell
what – whether – flight will teach them.
Icarus, or no?

Let us hope they learn
to live as green things live, to
fuel by sunborne light.

We will bear witness,
as we bear them shade, water,
our ancient trade, trust.