The Cardinal

Posted on 2021/07/27 by Bartholomew Barker

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 one of the organizers of Living Poetry, a collection of poets and poetry lovers in the Triangle region of North Carolina. Born and raised in Ohio, studied in Chicago, he worked in Connecticut for nearly twenty years before moving to Hillsborough where he makes money as a computer programmer to fund his poetry habit.
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6 Responses to The Cardinal

  1. JeanMarie says:
    2021/07/27 at 20:53

    Nice job. Better to drop poetry on us than poop. :)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  2. Didier Beaugrand says:
    2021/08/05 at 00:22

    I really enjoyed this write. the last stanza brings it home; the analogy between poet and cardinal is brilliant.👏👏👏
    🙏

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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