white umbrella

white umbrella . she watched from the darkened street the man who seldom brought flowers, though she knew he would, if he could. . they wanted precious little —some called their world make believe— having only sweet vanilla candles, roses, and a white umbrella for those infrequent rainy days. . she offered exotic chocolates—wrapped— and he touched red wine to her lips while time swiftly passed them by. . he shared photographs and poetry while her fingers danced, lifting music from her magical violin. . who can say where the time goes except that suddenly one day it ceases— the breath of life is silenced— . and in the rain the white umbrella is opened. . . © tolbert