My Cardinal... Poem by Betty Jo Hilger

As sentinel he sits within the frigid scene
Solitary
Saturated
Sightless
Frozen to his seat while the wind blows
And the sleet falls
And the snow slips on into the day

Masked against the whiteout sky, the dreary damp
Puffed out chest
Flame bright hue
He shines his blaze into the morn
Inviting warmth
By poise alone proclaiming life reborn…

The snow clad wood stands pristine
Cleansed and pure
Clothed in white
As ingénue, bride to be, as mother
Cradle of hope when light returns
Heralding joy to come

Still he sits within the brightened frost
Placid
Peaceful
Prayerful
Perched upon his throne while the wind blows
And the sun shines
And the snow melts beneath his feet

My Cardinal…