First Person
Red Bird
By James Paulin
March 13, 2008

Bleak and sterile in white and evergreen
Almost colorless, bitter season of cold
Except a sparse berry or cardinal seen
In flight or alight, red feathers appear bold

Perched high atop trees or electric wire
Round feeders or aflutter, glimpses of joy
Year round male birds wear cheerful attire
Brown females contrast a scarlet red boy

Herald of spring with sweet echoing song
Demanding attention of every ear and eye
Scan treetops quickly, it wont perch for long
Even the downhearted are beckoned on high

Singing to awake all round it with glee
Exciting to admire for a moment or two
Remarking how pretty one bird can be
Times we notice beauty are often too few

About the author:
I am a retired General Motors automotive design sculptor. I have been writing essays for several years and started writing poetry last spring. One of my poems "Magnificent Michigan" was a winner in the Poets Night Out competition in Traverse City, MI. last fall. I have written over fifty poems using various forms since I began last year.

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