He sang a song persistently
Before the sun was up --
Kept singing oh so urgently
While others slept in gentle peace
I heard him clearly, though my fan
Was blowing in the dark
And through my torpor called and trilled
Pulling my mind from dreams
Making me surface and open an eye

He waited there outside my door
As I left the house today
Standing proudly straight and tall
In his coat of red - and pointy cap
He observed with a beady eye
My trek to get into my car
But first I turned and called his name
And smiled with approving grin
I saluted the cardinal who graced my day
At the break of dawn again. 


By Diane E. Dockum
©April 30, 2026