Scarlet Umbrella

The tempting thought I just could not dismiss
To share with you one surreptitious kiss.
A brief, flirtatious moment of delight,
Snatched furtively and hidden out of sight.

The red umbrella camouflaged all shame
As if accomplice to our fickle game.
But passion soon subsided, like the rain
And guilty eyes could not engage again.     *

You left me standing there and it was clear
That we could not betray those we held dear.
I gazed into the scarlet dome above
Ashamed that I had risked true, steadfast love.

And looking down, my faithful dog sat there.
His saddened gaze was more than I could bear.
I led him home resolved upon that day,
No more to linger in temptation’s  sway. 

Then, one by one the features disappeared,
I glanced outside, the stormy skies had cleared.
'Ah, there you are, I thought I'd find you here,
The gallery is closing soon, my dear!'

A painting, like a poem can inspire
Rekindling the imagination’s fire.
And both may leave a message in their trail,
For contemplative spirits to unveil.

31/10/18

‘The red umbrella poetry contest‘ - Sponsored by: Eve Roper



* Please note that in Britain and according to the Oxford dictionary, two versions of the pronunciation of 'again' are permitted and commonly in use.
One rhymes with 'men' and one with ' rain'.I have used the second version here.

Audio version at : https://dictionary.cambridge.org/pronunciation/english/again
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Cozart Avatar
November 30, 2018 at 12:28 PM
Beautifully written, Wendy. Congrats.
Haight Avatar
November 19, 2018 at 6:08 PM
I enjoyed your 'outside the box' take on the theme, Wendy! Well-done, and congrats on your win. Hugs, Sandra
Allison Avatar
November 17, 2018 at 1:07 PM
such beautiful rhyme Wendy:-) many congratulations on your win:-) hugs Jan xx
Andresen Avatar
November 14, 2018 at 11:38 AM
- A lovely winning poem :) - Congratulations, Wendy :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Roper Avatar
November 13, 2018 at 11:01 PM
Thank you for entering my contest, Wendy, you had everything I was looking for. Great flow, rhyme and subject matter . Congratulations on your win . Hugs Eve
Elam Avatar
November 8, 2018 at 12:33 PM
Beautiful poem - I had not read yours till now and love the complexity and imagery.
Watson Avatar
November 12, 2018 at 4:39 PM
What a kind comment,Mark. There are some great entries in this contest.
Sergi Avatar
November 5, 2018 at 6:10 PM
I loved the way you used the rhyme interpret your poem. My compliments!!
Watson Avatar
November 12, 2018 at 4:41 PM
Thank you,Ralph. I really enjoyed your version too.
Radke Avatar
November 3, 2018 at 3:25 PM
Oh, this is lovely. You’ve written a story set to music with this poem; containing a struggle with temptation, resolution and a beautiful moral. Really well done. My best. Deb
Watson Avatar
November 4, 2018 at 9:45 AM
What kind comments,Deb.From those I've read so far mine seems to be the only one with little romantic flavour but at least it ends on a positive note!
Cunningham Avatar
November 2, 2018 at 3:20 AM
Like Carolyn I'm enjoying everyone's interpretation of the picture, saw the little dog but didn't use it anyway it was a stray lol. Good luck in the contest. Tom.
Watson Avatar
November 4, 2018 at 9:40 AM
Oh yours was wonderful, Tom. Must have been such a disappointing wake-up call!
Devonshire Avatar
November 1, 2018 at 5:35 PM
It's wonderful to see all of the different interpretations of the picture. Your poem is beautifully rhymed and stirs sympathy in the reader's heart. Faithfulness is often challenged, so it's best not "to linger in temptation’s sway." Nice work! Best wishes in the contest, Carolyn
Watson Avatar
November 4, 2018 at 9:35 AM
What lovely comments, Carolyn. Thank you, though having read all the other romantic 'offerings' I feel a bit of a spoilsport!
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