I had a front row seat last week
for the Birdie Fashion Show.
I waited for the fun to start
with bated breath held low.

The robins all around me
hopping to their seats.
They chirped and bobbed and glanced 
about to see the new Spring treats.
                                                                          
As the sun, a spotlight true,
burst onto the darkened spot,
A cardinal fluttered down he flew,
his feathers fluffed, a deep red hue.

That was not enough, you see,
he turned this way and that,
And then he raised his royal crest
to show his wondrous hat!

Next came the little lady, 
her garb so brown and muted,
She swirled and twirled so all could see- 
her style was not disputed.

Again, the bold and dashing male
come to strut his stuff.
He took the stage, his feathers spread,
he was so sleek and daring. 

His mate, so shy, was not about
to be outdone by this display,
She alighted on the iron bar and tipped her head to say, 
"My crest is just as elegant, as his on any day!"
                                            
Alas, the little birdies had to flit away,
and all around the cheers were heard for those who had to go.
With heavy hearts, we turned away,
with hope again, next Spring to see, the Birdie Fashion Show.
                                   ©Barbara J. Donaldson, 2020. All rights reserved


This is an image from the internet, labeled for use with modification.  

The idea for this poem came to me last week as I looked up from my work in my new office (my kitchen table). A male cardinal alighted on the back of my wrought iron porch chair and showed off for me. On the rim of a clay pot, his mate awaited her turn. She and the male took turns, on right after the other, landing on the chair and having their own private fashion show. I was not fast enough with my camera…