Paper Parasols

• Claudia Schicker, Grade 10, Kolbe Catholic College
• Poetry
• 2017

Finalist in the 'Write Here Write Now 2017' competition

Clouds roll in, the ocean empty
Gone the beachgoers and summer sun
Sand speckled with hasty footprints.
Wind howling, darkened sky,
Abandoned paper parasols swaying, dancing in the storm
Taking flight, waves crashing against the shore.
Bruised clouds swelling, the heavens open
Giving way to a downpour and inviting the cold
Strike of lightning, a clap of thunder, a crescendo.
The sky clears, ocean stills, for a moment all is calm
Appearing suspended in a spiralling symphony,
Paper parasols captured in time, amidst their swirling descent.
Ocean’s orchestra debuts, seagulls let out strangled notes,
Children laugh and on plays the merry-makers music,
Echoing into a gentle hum, complete harmony.