In the Clouds

By: Nathan Wellman

I have seconds to go

Can’t stop now, this place is gonna blow!

Emptying my reserves, I go full speed.

I open up, full throttle, restraint’s not what I need.

I clench my jaw as the tunnel blurs past.

With no warning, I barely avoid a laser blast.

Fighters! The new TX 900's, madly giving chase.

They were intent on destroying me, to keep me from reaching space.

Clenching my jaw, I knew I could not win.

I search frantically for a way. Could this be the end?

The bell rings obnoxiously. I return to real life.

Sighing I get up. Heading for the next class. Heading for more strife.

I was on the way for more grief, grudgingly going through the motions.

I dimly noticed the trees, brightly colored from fall. They looked like explosions.

Explosions everywhere! I cower in my trench.

My officer says I’ll be fine, this’ll be a cinch.

Finally, he breathes in deeply and yells the fateful call.

“CHARGE!” I go, praying I don’t fall.

Bullets all around us, we go down one by one.

Only a few are left now, but still I bravely run.

My country needs me! I will not fail.

No matter what the cost, we must prevail!

Almost there now, don’t give up now!

We barely make it, though I don’t know how.

I cursed as the late bell rang yet again.

My teacher stared as I entered, and berated me for my sin.

On and on he went. Then he sent me to my seat.

I shuffled away embarrassed, my face as red as a beat.

They say I should pay attention, get my head out of the clouds.

But what’s so great down here anyway? Everyone is selfish and loud.

As for me, I don’t care for this dreary place. I don’t really want to stay.

I’d rather live in my own little world, where everything goes my way.