Cardinals in Georgia

Hey little bird,

I see you…

As you sit there on the windowsill Shouting out your melodious trill Red chest proud while you fill

The world with your glowing

But, hidden in your voice’s ring

You have a tiny broken wing

That makes you struggle, when you sing.

Though it’s such a pretty little song

But, safety is a long way down . Your crest, it wilts upon your crown. Your velvet red—a faded gown Once charismatic, charming spirit Now exhausted song, and ALL can hear it.

And you know it.

So You wait on peace: no arrive Desire escapes you to survive Infectious thoughts invade your drive

“Why try to live? I don’t feel alive.”

And I know it.

And I fear

You will decide to die.

You could die?

Empty wings kiss the sky

Lovely bird, happy bird—broken bird. You could die.

Could die?

…No, no please…

Try to fly

Flight hurts, I do know.

with its ebb and its flow
I know.

But, fly

Always fly

Know that I...

I can see you.

Someone sees you.

And the crimson of your cardinal wings, Upon my heart, it steady clings Pulling on some very tender strings

there’s rest ahead you can’t foresee Please, Float on, head high crest, near honeybee.

At this, And since the longest time.

I rhyme

And believe In something.

And without you

Not just, Pour a tear. And window gaze unclear. But engage in life as puppeteer

But, we’re here,

Little Bird Lovely bird

You are heard

Can’t you see, my bird?

With cry and plea, baby bird.

You are me, little bird.

You are me and I asked for you.

You do not know, But I do, I wouldn’t see you If death had come across you.

And mother bird had lost you

And if I did not choose to stay

Made Momma choose where my body lay

and I had forced the world lose me,

When I lost me...

I would not be here to see

You flitter to a tree

Sweet whimsical me

seeing the magic in you,

as I do.

As you flew. -

Melissa Holm