Clouds at Dawn. James Hamilton Shegogue (American, 1806 – 1872). Watercolor over graphite. 6.3 × 12.5 cm (2 1/2 × 4 15/16 in.). National Gallery of Art open access.
Cloud, Me
Cloud-spine elongates,
and vertebrae, ribby knuckles,
separate, form a gap
before the vaporous pelvis. Sky
flexes and stretches. Clouds
form and float, wisping into shapes
that reflect the body,
remind me I am that. That sky
missing half a side of ribs.
Whole back now missing sky.
My cloud self. Sky missing me.
So far away. So near. Complete and
lacking. Always the there and not.
Always air currents slipping
to dissolve the clouds.
One last thought. Always
some form blown away.
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