"the blood of cardinals" by Ross Balcom, Frequent Contributor

the blood of cardinals

Ross Balcom

i.

the blood

of cardinals

reddens

a Hoosier sunset

          we all die

          on the same altar

          our blood

          flows together

ii.

the red birds

return

cardinals flock

to my heart

          let's all die

          together

          I'll go first

          haha

(the cardinal

cut its own throat

with a song)

Poet's Notes: The cardinal is the state bird of Indiana. The image of its striking red plumage triggers in me associations of sunsets, blood, and blood sacrifice; hence, this poem. With every poem, the poet should spill his blood. This is the key to the renewal of life and creation. So sayeth this Hoosier. I cut my own throat with a poem.