The cardinal pontificates from the upper branches
vivid red feathers glinting in the sun
I watch him flash from limb to limb
tree to tree — inspired by his ambition
I scribble details in my notebook
how he contrasts with the sharp green leaves
the earthy odor of fallen summer blossoms
the cheer cheer cheer cheer as he claims his territory
Noticing poetry is my plumage
crafting verse to attract attention
singing from treetop open mics
dropping poems on passers-by
(For this week’s Living Poetry Prompt and Weekend Writing Prompt.)
About Bartholomew Barker
Bartholomew Barker is an organizer of Living Poetry, a collection of poets in the Triangle region of North Carolina where he has hosted a monthly feedback workshop for more than decade. His first poetry collection, Wednesday Night Regular, written in and about strip clubs, was published in 2013. His second, Milkshakes and Chilidogs, a chapbook of food inspired poetry was served in 2017. He was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2021. Born and raised in Ohio, studied in Chicago, he worked in Connecticut for nearly twenty years before moving to Hillsborough where he lives and writes poetry.
Bartholomew Barker, Poet 
Nice job. Better to drop poetry on us than poop. :)
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Sometimes there’s not much difference between the two.
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HAHA😄😂 B wins the internet!
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GOOOOAAL!
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I really enjoyed this write. the last stanza brings it home; the analogy between poet and cardinal is brilliant.👏👏👏
🙏
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Thank you very much. Glad you enjoyed it.
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