The Northern Cardinal


You light on a branch in the clear light of morning,
A red flash of hope on the blanket of snow.
You bring to the chill of the winter a warming;
Your clear ringing song like an ember aglow.

When frosty cold fingertips grasp at my spirit
And threaten to drag me down to despair,
Your song fills the longing and so I can bear it,
So cheerful and resonant, so bracing and fair. 

Your song is a sign of a courage resilient,
Reviving our spirits, a clarion bold;
Both rising and falling its notes ring out brilliant,
An offering cherished in midwinter cold.
