The Cardinal

Photo by Joel Miller on Unsplash

Enjoying the breeze, the warmth of the day
swinging back and forth, staring in wonder at
the brightness of the trees’ green leaves against
a backdrop of undisturbed baby blue

The branches sway
I rock to the same tune,
loving the music of the day.
An opening act, perhaps?
I ponder, as a cardinal flies in and sits
on a particularly still branch,

Looking like a fine jewel
displayed on green felt
bright, still, and beautifully red

I wait for his act to begin
as his background continues to dance
He remains still as the trees sway harder
the wind crescendoes, “SHHHH” through the air

The cardinal, unmoved by the music of the air
his beauty is his art
his quiet is his performance

And all at once, I understand
This is not a production at all.
He is not there for me,
does not care about my applause or praise

He sits as I am sitting:
to enjoy the breeze
and through that connection,
we perform together

We choose our art each moment
and today, I sit in the shade,
enjoying the breeze
watching the trees dance
as the cardinal flies away

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