Holding Up the Sky

Blue skies 
are so light
they float
on their own.

Scattered clouds
move with
just enough speed,
they stay aloft.

Stretches of overcast,
however,
need support
to hold them up.

Otherwise,
they thump
to the ground,
smothering
trees and buildings
and everything else—
causing 
car accidents 
and
people to bring
groceries to the
wrong houses
and
people to hold
hands with someone
who is not
their loved one.

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copyright © 2021 Dave Williams. Photo taken at the National Arboretum in Washington, DC. These columns first supported the east portico of the National Capitol building, starting in 1828. They were replaced in 1958. The reason: “The dome of the Capitol, completed in 1864, appeared as if it was not adequately supported by the columns, because the iron dome that was ultimately built was significantly larger than the one that the designer had envisioned.” Quote is from — and more information can be found at — U.S. National Arboretum’s website.