The Singing Butler. (Jack Vettriano's Painting) . Poem by PAUL COLVIN

(Jack Vettriano’s Painting) .

Umbrellas frolic in the wind as though waiting for the rain
Their shadows flail the golden sands, now dulled where light had lain
Beyond the surf, a blackened sea, a thin and straight black line
But are they here to hear a song or had they come to dine?
Still the winds blow fiercely as storm clouds loomed fast
But the couple danced regardless as though it was their last,
Her bare back held within his hand, so delicate and white
The dancing couple take centre stage against the failing light.
His black tuxedo catches the light and shines in every fold
As her long red dress, gently danced above, a floor of shimmering gold.
The butler bent into the wind, serenades them with a song
His coat tails flapping wildly against the wind so strong
Yet he stands quite motionless in the midst of light and shade
And across from him, in black and white, stands the flustered looking maid.
She clings onto her apron, her face punished by the gale
This incessant wind, relentless, you can almost hear it wail
But the party on this evening’s beach is thriving nonetheless
A sense of fun and loyalty but with love and tenderness.