United States Poetry Magazine

United States Poetry Magazine –

"The Shape of Clouds" by Doug Tanoury

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May 15th, 2026

United States Poetry Contest #1 – First Place

The Shape of Clouds

(Nuances of a Theme by Wallace Stevens)

by Doug Tanoury

    I.

I had a conversation with my brother once about clouds,
We were adults and not children at the time
I remember we were speaking very seriously.

He said that no matter how much you wanted to,
You cannot change the shape of clouds,
They are what they are, as formed by nature.

We were discussing the character of clouds
That day he came to visit me.

    II.

I had a problem with clouds and still do today.
He was more accepting of their shape, and 
I was not satisfied with them and judged them harshly.

No that is not true, I raged against them, their wanton,
Wistful whimsey and their uncaring distance as they sail 
Carelessly across an iridescent summer sky.

Both of our eyes became watery that day as we spoke
About the unchanging nature and shape of clouds.

About the Poet
Doug Tanoury resides in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, United States.
Read the poet's biography and Wax Poetry and Art publications on Doug Tanoury's Artist Page.

This poem is also featured in Poetry World #15, published in the Wax Poetry and Art Library.

Keywords: clouds, brothers, conversation, Wallace Stevens

Previously published in United States Poetry Magazine:
To My Friend Who Was a Natural Disaster
by Isis Zystrid

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