The Cardinal And The Rose In His Crimson Cape

Crimson red braces a snowy dreamscape Huddled in dense twigs, dons a showy cape Plumage a bold rich scarlet, an exuberance Nay can’t hide its immaculate beauty’s trance Christians believe you symbolize the blood of Christ Christmas bird who’s remained in zeitgeist Colonists saw your red feathers as red robes worn by Catholic Cardinals and a hat upon lobes Together always like your flock, hence your name O nightingale your loved by all—a pillar of fame Arctic winds strong, cold unlike south’s gentle breeze But seek shelter friend in branches of conifer trees Like the wind rose traced to maritime maps God’s gift of navigation finds you maple saps I look to my compass and note the design Resembling petals of a rose that align This Fleur de lys indicates winds direction The east rim of the rose shows a cross, an indication The direction in which Jesus Christ was born The wind rose symbolized and was never shorn