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The Red Parasol

The Red Parasol Contest
Sponsor: Eve Roper


Wandering along the soft shores of Vermont,
I carry my red parasol as Bluebell shares fond
memories with me of good times with her lover.  
I listened with intent, but my mind escapes into 
vivid visions of my journey along these exact 
shores. I remember the tender blue hues of the 
sky that day. It was a day exactly like today. I 
turned to Bluebell and spoke with grace about 
my beloved husband, God rest his soul. He
was my red parasol during life’s showers and 
my love for him is embraced every time I come
here. He always knew when I needed the cool 
waterfront. As we were strolling, I smelled the 
drift of the waters and took a deep breath. I then
inhaled the moisture as we roamed over the 
rocky ground. The air filled my lungs like my
lover’s touch. The mist smelled like comfort and 
the ocean screamed of contentment. I knew today 
would be a better day. I saw a murky shadow in 
the midst of the breeze. I noticed a young lady
standing closer to the shore. She seemed sad 
and lonely. We walked over to her and instantly 
I felt her despair. For she had just lost her beloved
husband also. We welcomed her and she spoke 
of the tides that had been crushing her life lately.
I asked her to keep walking with us along the border
of the seaside. I told her to take a deep breath 
and embrace the coastline of this life. Yes, our true 
loves had been lost in flesh, but not in spirit. The 
waves lapped and the somber day came to an end. 
We walked together towards the grass. I felt simply 
refreshed from the day’s gift of the sound of waves 
gently crashing. I needed the sand in my toes and
the fresh fragrance of the sprinkling haze to console 
me. The seaside reminded me of all the goodness 
in my life. It was pure and virtuous and so was I. 
For I shall never forget the way my lover protected
me with his red paper parasol. The daily drizzles 
never had a chance with him by my side. Oh, how  
he moved me, as did the calmness of the beach.


Date Written: June 13, 2016

Copyright © | Year Posted 2016




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Date: 7/8/2016 4:26:00 PM
Congrats well thought of great poem xx
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Date: 7/8/2016 4:13:00 PM
Nice story and fine interpretation of the painting, Luloo. Congrats on your First Place win in 'the red parasol' contest! Hugs, Sandra
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Date: 7/8/2016 9:56:00 AM
Such lovely story telling Laura......what a lovely poem of a day on the beach ! Congratulations Laura!
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Date: 7/8/2016 8:53:00 AM
Congratulations, Laura; I enjoyed reading your version of the red parasol.
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Date: 7/8/2016 6:08:00 AM
Hi Laura, Congrats on your 1st place win it was well deserved: -) Alexis
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Date: 7/8/2016 4:25:00 AM
Congratulations on this touching romantic poem winning first placement luloo! 7 ; )
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Date: 7/7/2016 11:50:00 PM
Laura, this is such a beautiful poem great flow congratulations on your win ! Hugs Eve
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Date: 6/17/2016 1:06:00 AM
A nice calm write reminiscing old memories:)
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Date: 6/13/2016 5:33:00 PM
Such a moving poem LuLoo a unique take on the image good luck in the contest:-) hugs Jan xx
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Date: 6/13/2016 11:48:00 AM
Beautiful, dear.....very beautiful. I loved the message of hope and healing that came through.
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