Maple Afire Like A Cardinal's Attire

 Maple Afire Like A Cardinal’s Attire 

Our maple was the first to catch Fall’s fire.

It ignited this week with the sun’s southerly gyre.

Leaves flutter to the ground, red like a cardinal's attire,

While others remain on the tree among the feathery choir.

The red birds stand-out strikingly in every other season.

But in autumn the birds blend-in with the maple emblazoned

With scarlet hues, colorful camouflage in which they’re hidden

Away from view, incognito, their doings unbidden.

But anonymity for cardinals is not in the cards,

As the tree its flaming foliage discards.

Once the old maple is fleeced of its leaves,

Our showy red birds center-stage they seize.