A teal blue umbrella emerges
from the mist of peppering rain.
Bare branches arc across the path
framing the space between us.
Beyond the tracery of iron gates,
tyres sizzle on wet tarmac.
A carefree child splashes in puddles
happy in her new frog wellies.
I stand by the winter bandstand,
glimpse your eyes dull with sadness,
and your face closed to all around.
But when you see me waiting here
you exchange it for the smiling face
That you show to the world.