I wish I had a photo of She Who inspired this poem, but the link below will take you to a wonderful site where you can learn all about her.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Cardinal/overview
Lady Cardinal
I have been fooled by the demure
utility of your muted plumage, the warm
taupe that blends with every shade of tree
bark, the ruddy hints at crest, wing, and tail
that perfect your camouflage.
Today you alit outside my window
and sang a sweet, piercing song I’ve heard
since childhood but didn’t know
was yours because I had only ever traced it
to the gaudier of your kind.
Later I watched you tirelessly assault
a different window, denying the rival
you imagined any claim to the territory
and carmine mate you had secured.
Now when I hear those distinctive
clear notes, I will look beyond the flash
of red for you, fierce and lyrical
lady, hidden in plain sight.
The Daily Compost 