Drops of Red


Through my frosted kitchen window
I watch the sky bleed cardinals
onto leafless limbs and marvel
how crimson feathers exorcise gloom
from the emaciated breast of winter’s coven.

Standing on the threshold of spell and curse
I am a solitary audience to a painting
which at any moment will disappear
in a startled flurry of wings.

©Susie Clevenger 2018 


Comments

Sanaa Rizvi said…
"emaciated breast of winter’s coven" is such a powerful image!
tonispencer said…
Lovely poem. Cardinals are beautiful
said…
If I could truly write poetry, I would sure love it if my voice would come out like this.

This makes me think of someone cutting herself.
rallentanda said…
This is so beautiful. We witness so many small masterpieces, just fleetingly.You are one of the blessed ones who was given the eyes to see it.
Thotpurge said…
Terrific capture of the scene.. love "from the emaciated breast of winter’s coven."
Kerry O'Connor said…
I watch the sky bleed cardinals
onto leafless limbs

What an image!!! Makes me envious, and grateful to have the opportunity to read your fine work.
Old Egg said…
If only we all had eyes to see this way, slowly we are losing that skill as the eyes of the young and sadly some of us are glued to our iPhones. Such a beautiful observant scene is pictured here Susie,
Jim said…
Beautiful painting you've made for us.
I should adopt these lines, Susie a "solitary audience to a painting which are any moment will disappea." First, coming back from the Houston Medical center there was the most beautiful sunset I've seen in a long time. The Ch 11 weatherman at ten even marveled. Second thought, when you see a rainbow, you are the only one seeing that rainbow. Others will also see one, but it will not be the one made for you. True.
..
annell4 said…
A beautiful visual and a beautiful poem!! I love the cardinals, but they do not come to the Southwest.
annell4 said…
I love your poem!!
annell4 said…
I am having trouble commenting. This is my third try. I love this poem!!
Anmol (HA) said…
Ah, some astounding imagery in this one — the canvas is beautiful and so is your palette of these hues and shades.
Love, love this bit: "how crimson feathers exorcise gloom/from the emaciated breast of winter’s coven."