Four Poems by Robert Nielsen

Parapluis du Palais Royal

№ 1

Rains begin Plaza shines Umbrellas open A couple walks by Old woman in black They will not stop

Parapluis du Palais Royal № 2

Rain soft forecast feeling cold I stop, lost my way Plaza pavement grey sky shining sea Don’t know where to go Till grace direction Darkness I must cross My umbrella colors and me

Parapluis du Palais Royal

№ 3

You start but cannot keep up With what is finished, done He to his lover In spite of what he said You back to where you met Red umbrella shaking off the rain Pick up, resume What you’ve forgotten how to begin

Parapluis du Palais Royal

№ 4

Housemaid, cleaner Immigrant, outsider Umbrellas traveling in pairs Like nuns Their holy work: Serving others

Robert Nielsen is a Carmel Valley poet, writer, photographer, and painter, and has segued into full-time art-making after practicing law for many years. Born in Australia, he has lived, studied, worked, and traveled in a number of countries. His art reflects his perceptions, feelings and dreams, and also his worldwide experiences. His website is at www.pilgrim-arts.com