And in Turn

Have you ever noticed
how clouds, while providing
shade for the Earth, also
provide shade for each other?

Strange
I never thought of
clouds needing shade

Then I think of a parent,
providing comfort
for their child, suddenly
the one being comforted

Or a teacher, planning
lessons for her class,
realizing her students
may be her best teachers

Like the clouds, our layers
carry such a variety
in their purpose

To give and receive
To hold and be held
To cry while also
drying your tears

To feel the sweet relief
provided by a cloud on
a blistering hot day

And in turn, offer
a cool drink of water
to the one standing just
out of reach of the cloud’s
soothing, reassuring shelter