Drifting Leisurely Inside the Cloud

Ah, drifting leisurely inside the cloud, Watching hot sun’s rays glance across the nose of the winged drone, stealthily slipping proud, I drifted so peacefully through the floes. Updrafts from silent streams beneath arose lifting craft’s nose, unexpectedly plowed through looming cumulus's potential foes, Ah, drifting leisurely inside the cloud. My teeth clinching, I bared tense lips so proud; Sensed gusts of air across the broadened floes, Kissed cerulean sky above allowed Watching hot sun’s rays glance across the nose. Fecklessly, thoughts wondered how high she goes before narrow cockpit collapsed to shroud, and leaps of joy turned into flailing woes of the winged drone, stealthily slipping proud. For a moment, my breathing burst aloud, A sudden chill, fear inside my chest froze leaps of joy turned to sad, flailing allowed, I drifted so peacefully through the floes. I shall land on the grassy field unbowed Receive the welcomed accolades from those who soloed the winds, powerless, uncowed by dangers the upper sky chose to pose, drifting leisurely inside the cloud. Written/Edited March 1, 2022 Submitted to "2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 4" Sponsored by Mark Toney SECOND PLACE WINNER Written/Edited March 1, 2021 for Rondeau Redouble - Life's Struggles contest Sponsored by Constance La France