Once, Then. Poem by Michael LaBrier

I used to fly above the tragedy.
Blissfully. Dumbly.
Not seeing or hearing cries below.
I'd soar and dip and dive, but never touch or be touched.
Now the sea of woe has risen up
So huge and mountainous,
The sky can't hide me.
And my endless joy is ended.

I used to fly well out of sorrow's reach
Weightless. Mindless.
Not wondering why some choose the ground,
But scoffing at their earthbound ways; entitled to the sky.
Now I know that those so far beneath
Once flew themselves.
Until like I,
They finally learned how not to.