During an intuitive art class, I drew a small cardinal that lingered in my awareness long after the session ended.
When I was later encouraged to write about something that inspires me, the image returned — asking to be expressed in words.
A bird with blessed beauty,
the blazing red exhibiting flight and fancy.
I saw it once near my window
and seemed to overhear him say, “you must let go.”
Release the dust and mire of the earth,
to soar, to climb, or sit quietly on the perch.
For the cardinal understands
that its color does not make him so.
But it is in the energy of the wings
and the love of freedom that makes him go.
Fly, fly — with blazing red contrasted against the sky blue,
and you as well, with a strong wind,
can every day make a tribute
to the divine within you.
