No Ifs Or Ands, Lots of Butts

You must not blame me if I do talk to the clouds. - Thoreau

Puffy Clouds photo by Hassan Patterson

so that we wouldn't be afraid of the storm

mum would tell us that thunder was god bowling

now i tell my kids that the clouds are god smoking

both short and long drags

depending on the formation lags

yes, that is surely their puffed source

without a bit of remorse

unfiltered cigarettes of course

Author's Note

"It is better to have your head in the clouds, and know where you are... than to breathe the clearer atmosphere below them, and think that you are in paradise." - Thoreau

Reviews

[barleygirl]

Your poem feels "in the face" of those who try so hard to be "correct" about everything concerning childraising. My mom, who lived life with minimal hearing & aides in both ears, told her story often. She would wake up as a kid with bad earaches & her dad would blow cigarette smoke into her ears & this would make her feel so much better. Nowadays, the "secondhand-smoke" avengers would have a cow! Lots of childhoods are flagrantly reckless & many people turn out all the better for it! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Pete]

well if god can bowl why can't he smoke too? it's just as arbitrary. actually it worked because i wasn't as afraid as i might have been had i not been trying to picture god in bowling shoes throwing a gutter ball although i would imagine that he bowls perfect games. i probably should have chosen an activity that is noisier to explain the thunder - i'm open to suggestions ... :)

[barleygirl]

No, I loved "god bowling" right off & still do. Your poem captures those unfiltered things said & done in families, spontaneous, uninhibited. It's great!

[Coyote Poetry]

I liked both the sayings my friends. My grandchildren see monsters and angels in the sky. Thank you Pete for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Pete]

a bit of reminiscence with a twist. seems like folks can relate. thunder and storms are one of those things that fascinate kids on different levels. thank you for sharing coyote ... :)

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome my friend.