Six Sentence Stories - Cardinal

Through the blogging sphere (thanks Lisa), I have learned a little about tanka poems so I have decided to veer from my usual style of writing this week at Six Sentence Stories - Cardinal. Denise of Girlie on the Edge's Blog is the host of this blog hop. In a nutshell, the goal is to use the prompt word in a story written in just six sentences. 

I heard the whistle

of the cardinal calling

but I hurried on 

until I paused at sunset

to bask in the crimson hues

Why had I not stopped

and looked up through the branches

but I missed the chance

to listen reverently

and commune with God’s creature

My thoughts had buffered

nature’s melodious sounds

which could have lifted

my spirit had I allowed

and meditated therein

I scanned the tree’s limbs

hoping for a glimpse of red

but the day was gone

the opportunity missed

and darkness settled o’er me

Waking to the birds

chirping to welcome the morn’

I heard their message

in the new beautiful day

what’s done is done carry on

I heard the whistle

of the cardinal calling

but this day was new

so I stopped looked and listened

savoring the occasion