Clouds

Clouds, many clouds Hanging high in the sky, Drifting so softly And quietly by. Tiny clouds, fleecy, And downy, and white, Blotches of snow In summer sunlight.

Silver clouds, gray In the afternoon sun ; Tableland, plain, And mountain in one; Rocks piled, and caverns, And rivers that wind Down to a quiet sea, All intertwined.

Cliffs on horizon With edges of gold ; Minarets, towers, And mansions untold; Horsemen and chariots Breasting the breeze; Ships on parade Borne along by great seas.

Battle front, torn By a torrent of shell ; Smoke, and the mist Of the low lying dell; Flame in the flash Of the reflected sun — Pictured in clouds Since the world was begun.

Clouds at the sunset Show garnet and rose, Turquoise, and jade, And an orange that glows ; Red of the winedrop ; The yellow of gold ; A riot of colors Which change and unfold.

Cloudlet you drift And you sail to the west. Warm is your courage And soft is your breast. Down to the end Of the world where you ride, Whence is the faith That you take as your guide?

Long thou hast ridden An uncharted sea. Strike for the harbor And take me with thee ! On thy soft bosom I will me to lie Dreaming my way To the sweet bye and bye.