The Cardinal and the Rose

I bring to you sweet pollen on my wings You respond with sharp and prickly stings. For I am here by chance fleeing the crows While you dance to every wind that blows. Perhaps for my sake we might sign a truce for I am like a red light on a spruce, and in return I’d carry on the wing a song to praise the beauty roses bring. And should you build a nest within our thorns Would this complete the setting of our bonds? That we might hear the cackling of your brood While you spend both day and night searching for food? And yet their hungry beaks would hunt and peck To snack upon the mites that roses wreck. So was it sealed this covenant of peace Both shades of red had lessons they could teach. ©12/25/2022