Wednesday, January 18, 2017

"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.

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