Cardinal on a Chain-link Fence

from Ancient Memories.

Why didn’t I see you

bright red spot,

perched now above

a field of silver-white,

in the summer?

Is it that you got lost

amid the gaudy splashes

of monarda, phlox

and coneflower?

Did the crimson

Mister Lincoln roses,

blushing over the garage

like a hundred rivals,

camouflage your

vivid red beacon

busy in summer’s work?

But now I see you

here on a brilliant,

cold, late January day

reminding me of spring

and things that can be.