On a chilly Christmas morn
I looked out the window.
Most of the birds have gone
on this cold dark winter day.
I saw a Cardinal on the tree
brilliantly colored Northern Cardinal
A winter fixture at snow-covered bird feeders
I ask “Do the birds have Christmas?
Looking something to eat or
planning in advance for a habitat
on this leafless tree
like the politicians’ fake promises.
When it gets cold, it flies south
when it gets warm; it returns
that is what we learn from birds.
Maybe awaiting his girlfriend’s message
About when to bring food to the nest
A few leaves lay on the starving rod
Fallen from the ash and grey
