A red blemish
flutters into view
of a white, sweeping landscape.
A pane of glass separates our worlds—
mine being warm and safe
as opposed to the frozen, thin atmosphere outside.
As the cardinal flutters around,
my wings long to spread
and be set free into a world where a future isn’t planned for me.
This small window
is the only doorway I have as I hide myself,
away from the cold, unpredictable world.
The bird lands on the window sill
and glares at me
through the glass film.
His eyes bore into mine,
and take in the warm luxury of my life.
I suddenly feel too warm—
too enclosed,
as the bird spreads his wings,
and flies away,
leaving me to wonder
about the great pleasure
I call my life.