What is the cardinal singing
Its rhythmic chortle
Flame red, proud, alone
In its vernal leaf
Feels the drip of the cool rain run
Down its spine and slip off its feathers
Senses the worm beneath the soil
Moving and sliding through the moist earth
Feels the faded last breath of winter
Feels the motion of earth as it twists
In its well, the sun as guardian
Peers down through my shade as I
Pen these thoughts and keeps me company
As I break and molt these worn feathers
My rosy down and pink wonder