THE WELCOME TREE

There was a time it was his alone,
Just that big, red cardinal
Where he and she made their summer home
On its branches way up high.
Where the brood was born in its sun proof veil
And the neighbors put out seed.
And as dawn erased darkened skies to pale
On that Cedar's hand was seen
The king, perched on his balcony
And she, his cardinal queen.

Now the young have flown on their fledging wings
And proud cedar arms beckon
Juncos, finch galore, and sparrows sing
Shades of gold, green, red and gray.
As the harsh winds blow light snow from the west
Titmouse, chickadee, wren and jay
To decorate the welcome tree
Yes, there's room in his realm for everyone
In the embrace of the welcome tree.