Skyswimmer

I met a man with eyes like glass

Whose useful days were gone and passed

He told me in a cardboard tone

How long ago he once had flown

When I was young he did relate

I'd watch the birds as they'd escape

From the greedy ground we grovelled on

Into the clouds and then beyond...

What kind of bird am I?

How can I learn to fly?

And so each day I'd try, he said

To let go of my mind of led

And with my body floating free

Swim in the air as in the sea

This was my greatest, strongest wish

And so the air did not resist

One day above the ground I rose

And felt the air beneath my toes

What kind of boy am I?

How can I learn to fly?

I rose above the tallest trees

And summersalted in the breeze

I dove with lightning speed and then

I shot up to the clouds again

I jumped off buildings with delight

And laughed at those afraid of heights

What need has anyone for fear

When we are free and the sky is near?

Oh, what a boy was I?

When do we learn to die?

And when I saw I was alone

And no one close to me would come

I soon forgot the joy of sky

And gently back to earth came I

I've never flown again, said he

Because we're all alike, you see

Our sickness strengthens unity

And no one needs to question me

What kind of boy was I?

How could I learn to fly?