UNDER A WHITE UMBRELLA

I first saw you at a table, shaded by a white umbrella,

and fearless of what you might think, I walked up to you and smiled.

I arrived before noon, a little early for the afternoon jazz concert,

There was a flutter of music, a gentle riff, woodwinds and brass.

And fearless of what you might think, I walked up to you and smiled.

You nodded when I asked if I might join you, and then you spoke.

There was a flutter of music, a gentle riff, woodwinds and brass

Had the musicians taken their places? I didn’t notice, did you?

You nodded when I asked if I might join you, and then you spoke.

I am not sure what you heard, but you knew I was not from here.

Had the musicians taken their places? I didn’t notice, did you?

Strangers from exotic cities, and kindred spirits here

I am not sure what you heard, but you knew I was not from here.

That sunny afternoon, I was more than glad that we were

strangers from exotic cities, and kindred spirits here.

I first saw you at a table, shaded by a white umbrella.