Many Clouds (A Tribute) Poem by Paul Reed

Our pleasant, harmless Saturday
Filled with normal things, benign,
Entertained by our chosen passion play,
On the adrenalin we dine;

As we stood a safe distance back
Sheltered in our existence, dull,
You displayed courage that did not lack
For our spirits wrapped in cotton wool;

On such a day, who could sacrifice all?
Who would give their life away?
Who would rise and then sadly fall
With the ultimate price to pay;

You were to test endurance until it snapped
Jump as high as we commanded,
Reach the limit, with all energy sapped,
Just because we so demanded;

Then with your job done, the challenge met
The glory still too distant to be spied,
With no hero's welcome or reception yet,
You laid down on the turf and died;

For we can ignore the beckoning ridge,
The mountain top is not for us to reach,
A divide that we can choose not to bridge,
Or our darkening souls to bleach;

So when tomorrow comes, wrapped in fear's shrouds
And chances passing us by,
Look up and see the name ‘Many Clouds'
Emblazoned on the sky.