Clouds

Twas a warm afternoon and thunderheads were rising.

I was fascinated by how this cloud was backlit by the sun and glowing at the edges.

This could have turned into a thunderstorm for us.

But it passed south of us.  We heard lots of thunder.

When I see clouds I often hum Joni Mitchell's song , Both Side Now. It's kind of a sad pessimistic song, but nevertheless beautiful.  Somehow the first four lines seem to overcome all the rest of it.  It's like they win the argument that follows.

Rows and flows of angel hair 

And ice cream castles in the air

And feather canyons everywhere

I've looked at clouds that way

But now they only block the sun

They rain and snow on everyone

So many things I would have done 

But clouds got in my way

I've looked at clouds from both sides now

From up and down and still somehow

It's cloud's illusions I recall

I really don't know clouds at all

Moons and Junes and ferries wheels 

The dizzy dancing way you feel

As every fairy tale comes real 

I've looked at love that way

But now it's just another show 

You leave 'em laughing when you go

And if you care, don't let them know 

Don't give yourself away

I've looked at love from both sides now 

From give and take and still somehow

It's love's illusions I recall

I really…