Enchantment

A faint wind stirs the lilac, the oak trees
as a hydrangea bush languorously
dips a green finger into the birdbath.

A cardinal lights on the rim to drink, flames
like a torch in a Roman temple.

I dare not move, my pen poised...

the fiery bird spies me, tries to escape
flits from branch to branch
working his way toward the open skies

but swiftly, I write these lines
and he's caught
forever.

 
by Jadene Stevens