Cardinal in a Sycamore Tree

Cardinal in a Sycamore Tree

A cardinal landed on a sycamore branch,

a dream of feathers the color of blood,

sat there amid the rain-soaked leaves

shivering tears that fell each time the

late September breeze embraced

the sycamore’s slick bark arms.

I watched this prince of birds hold court

with wind and rain and leaves,

cock, to one side, his mitred head,

then, as if pleased with his sanguine grace,

flared his tail and both wings spread,

and with the ease of a word well said,

this living dream made the leaves bleed

as he flew away.

—Dr. P.C. Scheponik

#DrPCSheponik