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