Balloon

By Cammy Thomas

a hot air balloon
floats above my head
whether in slanting sun
or blown sideways by hurricane
always there
huge faded orange and green balloon
with a message

this could be good if you remember it
it says or
why not read a book to the end sometime
the balloon is there
as long as I’m alive
seventy seventy seventy
to the end sometime
it tugs on my scalp
helping and hurting me
to stay upright

hot air balloon roaring
as it refills with combustibles
always floats above my head
and supervises me
heading into the Psalms
trying on songs of praise
when all I see is bare reaches
empty trees empty tiger