Five vermillion cardinals
Spar and feint in front of my deck,
As a mousey female sits docilely by,
Ignoring their frenzied mock battle.
What does it matter?” she may be thinking.
“As long as he has strong wings
And, above all, is dependable.
Last year, I was left alone
To raise my little ones,
And it was totally exhausting.
Being a single mother is no joke,
I’ll tell you.
Having gorgeous feathers doesn’t help a lot
If he isn’t dependable.”
© Peggy Latham, 2011
Cardinal among pear tree blossoms; photo from Thundafunda.com |