Cardinal, by Paul Beck

This one little bird sends songs up high

Listen

To each passing note as it wanders by

 

Sweet soothing sound that breaks winter’s fast

Listen

To the quiet one who sings at last

 

To those who pass and do not hear

Listen

You miss the best of springtime cheer

 

Bright red bird you treat us so well

Listen

Your voice strikes like a dinner bell



“Birdie, Birdie,” you seem to say to me

Listen

My ears follow your pitch from tree to tree

 

So when you stop singing and fly away

Listen

I am left in the  silence of dismay

 

Paul Beck, April 2015