I dreamt I was a cardinal
Red as the ruby sun
and none was more beautiful than me.
But I was a captive cardinal
kept by a lonely one,
who could not bear to set me free.
I dreamt of another cardinal
whose feathers were pale
but a pure heart had he.
He was a captive cardinal
who shared my jail
and we both yearned to be free.
Though our keeper was kind
we had a wild heart.
my pale friend and I
Then he had a change of mind
and he chose to let one depart
to join the sun in the sky
but who should it be?
For one’s chance at freedom would end,
the other to fly to kiss the sun,
my pale friend or me?
Then my captive friend
proved the most beautiful one.
Oh my captive cardinal
though your feathers are pale
a purer heart has none.
Farewell dream cardinal
I end my tale
and fly away to greet the sun.
The cardinal dream: age 20
About the Author: Sarah B. Royal
Sarah B. Royal’s writing defies convention. Her poetry and prose traverse the boundaries between structure and spontaneity, often weaving together philosophical inquiry, cultural reflection, and personal narrative. With a background in experimental literature, she is known for crafting works that challenge readers to engage intellectually and emotionally.
Her acclaimed palindrome performance play, 777 – A Story of Idol Worship and Murder, showcases her fascination with mirrored storytelling and thematic symmetry. In o x ∞ = ♥: The Poet and The Mathematician, Royal explores the intersection of poetic intuition and mathematical logic, revealing a unique voice that is both analytical and lyrical.
Royal’s collections—such as Lost in the Lost and Found, Haiku For You, Lantern and Tanka Too, and the WoPoLi Chapbook Series—highlight her commitment to neurodivergent expression and poetic experimentation. Whether through childhood verse or contemporary fusion poetry, her work invites readers into a world where language is both a tool and a playground.
Sarah B. Royal continues to expand the possibilities of poetic form, offering readers a deeply personal yet universally resonant experience. Her writing is a testament to the power of creative risk, intellectual depth, and emotional authenticity.
WoPoLi 
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