waking up you see
sitting on a snow-covered tree
a cardinal, red and warm

his beak is yellow
his eyes are bright
he ruffles his feathers and takes flight

father frost blows
on your window pane
with his pattern, leaves a stain

all the trees
look like glass
but there's an emptiness

snuggled up under covers
not wanting to leave you bed
you try to get out, but jumping back in
you huddle up and sigh

you try again; you shiver
you put on your slippers
and hurry downstairs

down the stairs your dad fixes the fire
making you feel all warm inside
and outside as well

your mom is making oatmeal
it sends a happy shiver
down your spine with it's smell

and happily
the cardinal flies
onto your windowsill