Slice of Life/Day in a Poem (Day 6): Cardinals On A Tree

(This is for the Slice of Life challenge, hosted by Two Writing Teachers. We write on Tuesdays about the small moments in the larger perspective and then all through March — every single day  …  You write, too.)

From the window,
what we see
on a barren tree:
six flickering cardinals,
flashing red and gray,
with wings in flight –
partners in love,
dancing in sunlight –
a hint of Spring,
beautiful to me

Peace (watching),
Kevin

10 Comments
  1. I love the conciseness of the poem, yet you create such clear imagery. I am also envious of the sign of spring (and I agree) because it’s still very much winter where I am — so there is also a sense of hope in this poem. Thank you.

  2. Have you ever
    been bitten
    by a cardinal?
    I have.
    There orange beaks
    are well adapted
    to crush a finger nail
    or burst
    a happy idyll.

  3. Six in a tree is something I’ve never seen. I’d take it as more than just a sign of spring. Maybe a sign of healing to come? Maybe a visit from the ancestors? Anyway, the positioning of barren tree with six flickering cardinals seems hopeful to me. Thanks for the image.

  4. So lovely. My favorite bird. Alas, I have not seen that many gather together at once. A mini murmuration of Starlings has descended upon my feeder station as I write this, making quite the ruckus.

  5. Six cardinals! How marvelous. I wrote of two cardinals stopping by on my bush this morning. I love the feeling in your poem.

  6. I’ve never even seen a cardinal! I would love to spy one of these beauties in person. I can see that they would be striking in the monochromatics of winter.

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