If I could rise up

From the ground on angel-wings,

As the almighty eagle,

Soar high among the wispy clouds,

I'd whistle into the gale,

Laugh at the growling thunder,

And out of the driving storm

Believe I'd see

Beyond the rainbow's arch

Into the panorama

Of crystal-blue sky,

And move through

The breathless heat of the sun.

Bill Drayton, Christchurch, Dorset

The Daily Echo's poet-in-residence Polly Clark writes: This atmospheric poem is packed with images, and I particularly liked the original last line.