Cardinal Virtues

by D.S. Martin

Cardinal Virtues
by D.S. Martin
 
So with these, since there are four,
we must look for them in the same way.
― Plato’s Republic, Book IV
 
I am no ornithologist	or even a
temperate bird watcher   being so
quickly called away by the urgency of
interests
               	   but I have noticed 
when the cardinal makes a prudent
chit-chit   he   or even the allusive she  
is checking out the feeder   & will soon
alight
         	Later   from the secluded cedar  
his song's more full-throated   & bright
despite the fortitude he needs   to
establish their territory   in these
adjoining yards
                           	I googled it   He
sings divergent songs   to guard
the nest   announce arrival   to tell his
mate of food   or danger   or warn of
cardinal justice to any trespassing stranger

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D.S. Martin is Poet-in-Residence at McMaster Divinity College, and Series Editor for the Poiema Poetry Series from Cascade Books. He has written five poetry collections including Angelicus (2021), Ampersand (2018), and Conspiracy of Light: Poems Inspired by the Legacy of C.S. Lewis (2013). He and his wife live in Brampton, Ontario.

“The Path through the Cedars” by O.R. Jacobi. 1892.