The  Lady and the parasol(3)  TRILOGY

    
      
          
A drowsy day and sleeping streets              
fragrant jacarandas and futile shade              
another glass to quench a thirst              
which would not subside;              
the sun high beneath the pines              
I sat and thought one thought,              
I think she knew,              
I could not hide my praise;              
sun glasses laid aside,              
to hide behind a darkened lens              
and wine red glass was not polite.              
I wanted her to know.              
She drew her robe about her breasts              
innocent gesture not to conceal              
she knew the worth of ivory flesh              
saw my hands clasped tight.              
So the day progressed              
as when first we met,              
if ten paces is a meeting.              
Her graceful neck long and strong              
she stood straight-backed              
robe to her feet,so out of place,              
I did not notice,it looked so right              
said goodbye (not au revoir?)              
              
There were sights to see              
that were my intent,              
through blazing streets I strolled,              
to admire again this thing of beauty.                
Baskets on their heads they stood              
but one was missing  . . .In fear I turned ,            
panic on my mind, for hours I ran,              
so it seemed, terror at my soul              
it could not be. . .. it cannot be !              
              
The square was as before              
the table too,cypress shade,              
a parasol neat and folded              
empty glass,a lipstick stain,              
the chair set back,              
an echo of sandaled feet               
dancing on the pavement              
and she was gone ...   ...   ...               
              
Before I left for home i went again,              
long shadows casting gloom,              
all were present; but which was she ?              
I could not tell,           
The sun in my eyes,              
tears about my cheeks