Today I didn't think I'd let go
of something truly dear to me.

My favorite umbrella. The first umbrella I didn't lose or break.
I bought it with a special someone. Held onto it even when he left.
I felt like it was me.

It was overturned and threatened by strong winds and falls,
graciously protecting it's Master under the strong heat of the Son,
and from the batting of the Reyn.

It served me well. I also, did well.
We survived two years
of wandering
actually running three next month,

but Umbra just had to go unexpectedly
found a diversion
when we saw a legless old woman
whose old wheelchair is slowly being pushed under the heat of December.
Her old man wearing a cap,
and she, wearing a small towel on her head.
Traversing the highway perhaps coz of the fare they can't afford.

Slowly nearing us. Umbra came out of my bag. Jumped out quickly but gripped me
to bid me a final goodbye.
My hands thinking between taking a last picture of my umbra and feeling her last grip.

Then the old woman smiled.
Umbra shook her hand.
And let me go.

I bowed to both Umbra and the grateful lady.

My eyes followed their acquaintance.
the sight of the lady's delight while opening Umbra
seeing Umbra at her most beautiful-
like a butterfly sprouting her wings

regretting that I didn't wash her as planned
had I known we'd part unplanned

Surely I will miss my Umbra
but I am utmost proud
that finally
she has found a purpose
full of purpose