there was no parade
76 trombones didn’t play
the cardinal’s song
woke me at dawn
conveying sweet messages
from those of the past
warming my heart
at the start of the day
bringing a smile
spreading warmth
to my soul

who needs a procession
when in the voice
of a red bird
a song so cheerily sung
with missives so clear
held dearly
would stay
this day
the next
and all tomorrows too