Written for dVerse Poet’s Pub: Open Link Night.
Our host, Mish, invites us to follow our muse
and write a poem inspired by the image below.
Soft rain falls in May
He guides her his way
Nearby
Her gown streaked with gray
Beneath boughs they stay
Kept dry
His coat, bright array
Two hearts joined today ….
They sigh
NAR©2026
Nancy’s Notes: A lai is a French form that is comprised of nine lines, each with a specific syllable count. The rhyme scheme is a/a/b/a/a/b/a/a/b. Lines ending with an “a” rhyme have five syllables and the lines ending with a “b” rhyme have two syllables.
This is “Bus Stop” by The Hollies
Everything on The Elephant’s Trunk was created by me, unless otherwise indicated. Thanks for your consideration. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
So sweet, and how the simple umbrella may be an help to offer.
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A universal symbol for shelter and comfort. I wouldn’t be surprised if many lovely relationships began under a shared umbrella. Thanks for your gracious comments, Björn. ☔️
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If only love was so simple! Nice one Nancy 👏
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So true! Thanks, Shaun 😊
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so simple a gesture can be so sweet… loved the poetry form you used…. it added strength to the story reflected… great response to the photo prompt
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Thanks very much. I’m so pleased to know you enjoyed this one. It’s a lovely image.
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Sweet and lovely lai form.
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Thanks very much, Grace.
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What a sweet poem, Nancy.
I like Bus Stop!
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Thanks, dear Keith. I like this song, too!
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I love where you went with the image. Chivalry is not dead. The rhythm and rhyme of the form seemed to add an upbeat vibe to this sweet moment.
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Thanks very much, Mish. This is such a charming image and I couldn’t resist it. Wonderful challenge!
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Delicate pairing in a light & lyrical rain…
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Sweet! Thanks very much, Liz.
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I liked your AAB, AAB, AAB rhyming scheme, Nancy.
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This is a relatively new form for me, Jim; so glad you like it. I do, too. Thanks!
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Ah, nice poem. I’d never heard of this form before, another surprise!
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It’s only my second time writing a lai. I think it’s a wonderful form and I’m so pleased you enjoyed it, D. Thanks!
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Very sweet poem Nancy. You picked my favorite Hollies song 🥰
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Thanks so much, Christine. It’s a great song, isn’t it. 🎶💙
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A great soundtrack to accompany your gorgeous poem my friend …
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Well, I haven’t heard this song in ages! I guess he does look like a dandy lad! Thank you for your lovely comments, my friend. I appreciate you. 🎶💙
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Always my pleasure, Nancy 🎶📘🌏🥰
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A sweet poem Nancy.
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So glad you liked it, Sadje. Thank you.
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My pleasure dear sis
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Aww, how sweet and tender. Loved it!
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Thank you, Reelika. So pleased to know you liked it.
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So tender, Nancy. In just nine short lines you’ve painted a whole scene the soft rain, the shared shelter beneath the boughs, that gray-streaked gown against his bright coat. And that final “They sigh” lands perfectly; it holds everything the poem doesn’t need to spell out. The lai form suits this so well, those clipped two-syllable lines like little caught breaths. “Bus Stop” is the perfect pairing too umbrellas and rain and love finding its way. Lovely.
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Thanks for these awesome comments! So glad you enjoyed my post.
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