Yellow Umbrella

Out on the street on a rainy day

A woman with a yellow umbrella caught my eye.

She’ll never know how the sight affected me

How cheery and jaunty it looked

Amid the gloom,

The fog on my car windows,

And the rain streaming down on them.

 

Please, please never let me be

One of those insufferably boring,

Eminently forgettable

Black-umbrella people.

A red one would be nice,

But I’m going to buy myself

The brightest yellow one I can find.

Reviews

[Mila]

Lovely, Jennie! This is a great testament to those who strive to be different and not fall into the constant mold, which I can assume is the "black umbrella". I love the choice of color for the umbrella, what inspired it? I myself have a blue one (with polka dots) haha. :)

Enjoyed it a lot! Well done :):)

[Jennie Baron]

I literally did see someone walking by with a yellow umbrella. Love your blue polka dot one, though! This is simply about standing out from the crowd and being memorable (in a positive way, of course). I'm so happy you liked it!

[Alfred Kukitz]

Your theme captured me. I like the way you wrote this piece. It's simplicity felt honest, like hearing a "Good Morning" from someone and they really meant it.

[Jennie Baron]

Many thanks, Alfred!

[NoelHC]

This stood out in my mind in the way that a black and white photo, with only one object colored brilliantly does. An easy thing to do in Photoshop, but back in the day of hand tinting of photos a real art. This little poem was real art, a brightly colored object in a scene of dark.

[Jennie Baron]

Wow, thanks so much, Noel! An interesting take on the scene. Thanks for your reading and review.

[Moonie]

Wow, I ve always been a fan of the colorful umbrellas as well. I really like how your poem goes deeper than just the umbrella colors, Jennie ma'am. It reflects the ideologies of people-some who live to follow the flow, while others who love to challenge it. Nothing beats an eye catching lime yellow umbrella hurrying down in the crowd of black.My favourite lines would be
"One of those insufferably boring,

Eminently forgettable

Black-umbrella people."

[Jennie Baron]

Mine too, Moon. You appreciate exactly what this poem is getting at. Thanks!

[Daydreamer]

I couldn't agree more to what Moon's fairst daughter has said above!
That was a pretty good reading💖
A very lovely & meaningful write,indeed!💕💕💕

[MomzillaNC]

Y'know, when I was in college in Memphis, I remember being Downtown in the middle of a cold, rainy day. I remember being struck by the contrast to campus earlier that morning. On campus, there were all manner of styles and colors of umbrellas, and students or faculty in a variety of their own styles and colors of fashion under those umbrella.

But, downtown, among the office buildings, it was all dark suits and dark umbrellas… dour faces and scrambling corporate worker-bees.

I can't say I thought to pray I'd never be one of those folks. But, your poem put me in mind of that day quite clearly and definitively.

[Jennie Baron]

You know what I'm speaking of, then. This is all about standing out (in a good way).

[MomzillaNC]

Absolutely.

[Lyn Anderson]

Yes, I love the bright umbrellas. Although, I must confess, I have a black one, it fits in my runner's belt ...

[Jennie Baron]

:) Nothing wrong with that in itself. This is simply all about standing out from the crowd and doing something significant to affect others for the good.

[Lyn Anderson]

I know what you meant, I was just being cheeky.:)

[B.J]

I enjoyed the read, It was a joyful read.

[Jennie Baron]

The kind word is much appreciated, Barb!

[B.J]

When I saw the title I thought it was going to be a Yellow Submarine theme. A please well written piece.

[Renée]

Oh Jennie ! I love this piece !! Cheery visions & a great reminder that even in simple ways..we can affect each other without ever knowing ! I have always adored polkadots umbrellas !

[Jennie Baron]

Hmm...I wish polka dot had occurred to me. Maybe that's for another poem. Thanks, Renee!

[Renée]

Thanks for the mental get away ( :

[Matching Socks]

Love it!
Sunshine on a rainy day...
I never ever buy the black ones either.

[Jennie Baron]

I'm truly gratified that you liked it. Thanks so much!

[Jane Doe]

I love the extended metaphor, it's great. Your poetry is beautiful!

[Jennie Baron]

Aw, that's a beautiful compliment, Jane! Thanks for reading.

[Zahra]

Wow a very interesting piece, beautifully penned