The little lady cardinal
One morning perched upon my deck,
She spied the food I left for her,
Hungrily, she began to peck
Soon she was joined by her lover,
With his sweetheart he came to dine,
What a lovely picture they made,
Standing there underneath the pine
So close they stood to each other,
Softly chirping, they seemed to speak,
Lovingly, he took a peanut,
Gently placing it in her beak
His red wing was pressed against her,
So much in love they seemed to be,
Tears welled in my eyes that moment
Seeing love in its purity
Suddenly, there appeared a hawk,
A dark shadow touring the sky,
All chirping hushed, fear filled the air,
And then sounded the warning cry!
All the birds in the area
Sought trees, left and right they did veer,
But little lady cardinal
Just sat there, paralyzed by fear
Death was gliding on wings outspread,
Lady cardinal in his sight,
Then down he swooped to claim his prize,
Suddenly, her lover took flight
Up he flew into death's cold grasp,
Talons gripped fragile tattered wings,
Satisfied with his handsome catch,
Death left.... the birds ceased their callings
The red bird gave his life for love,
His bravery was not in vain,
Every day his lady mourns him,
Singing for him her sad refrain
Lora Colon
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-love-of-birds/
