Balloonist He’s not the man he thought he was, he disappeared, got signals crossed Upended by the world because his compass broke, his phone and shoes are lost Head in cloud, never quite touch the ground Man for hire just until the wind lifts, sails fill, and if I had my way, he’d fly all day Suspended miles above the snow, he’s safe up high, bright lights below Adjusts the flame he’s free to go, he rides the wind, whichever way it blows Head in cloud, never quite touch the ground Man for hire just until the wind lifts, sails fill, and if I had my way, he’d fly all day He’s writing formulae - the movement of the stars – he’s hearing music in his mind keeps spinning, won’t stop singing He keeps an inventory of every time they pass – the stars have got no doubt he’ll work their secret out We slip and slide and more besides, bruised, but held up by surprise Our shadows skate across the ice.  We test our weight.  I trust you with my life Head in cloud, never quite touch the ground Man for hire just until the wind lifts, sails fill, and if I had my way, he’d fly all day