Taming Clouds (Poetry)

I imagine how it would be if
I could cut sheep-size circles
from low clouds — tether them close to me
and keep them as pets.

I’m guessing it would take a while
to tame them — get them used to captivity
so they wouldn’t fly at the window — try
to escape the first chance they get.

Seen from a distance
it’s hard to judge what their temperament might be —
how much they might resent
being deprived their freedom
to roam that great expanse of sky.

They seem docile enough so I’m surprised
no one’s thought to round them up —
domesticate those drifting flocks
massed or strung out like ideas straggling — dissolving —
migrating somewhere far then coming back
faithful to the horizon —
comforting the lonely mountain —
inspiring landscape with a soft look
telling the shape of dreams...