Cheers!

The Cardinal may be common,
but he announces dawn,
 declares dusk for us,
and remains loyal
and present
through the seasons;

raising a brood,
finding food;
even in winter,
he appears,
and reappears, calling:
"what cheer, cheer, cheer,"
or, "pretty, pretty, pretty."

while wearing
that bold red uniform
proper and suitable
for his cardinal duties.

© 2016 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: Townsend Park - Kent County, Michigan

Play the Cardinal call  from Cornell Lab of Ornithology.