The Cardinal

I took this photo today through my Family Room window.
Here is a poem I've enjoyed about the Cardinal.


The Cardinal
When autumn woods are bare and dead,

A crested bird, of cardinal red,

Sways like an oak leaf overhead;

And sighs, "Drear! drear! drear!"

When winter woods are white with snow,

And drifts pile high as wild winds blow,

Like flame this torchlike bird doth glow;

And cries, "Whew! whew! whew!"

When springtime's crimson buds appear,

And red-gold columbines are here,

This songster welcomes the new year;

And sings, "Cheer! cheer! cheer!"

When summer's sun sheds scorching beams,

And cardinal flowers beside the streams

Grow wild, this brilliant bird still gleams;

And whistles, "Hue! hue! hue!"

A.E.B.