Little pine twig took to bouncing
As its method of announcing
That a visitor had landed on its snow.
There, defying wintry weather,
Was a puff of bright red feather
Like a symbol of the courage
he must know.
Then he gave the world an earful
Of a song so sweet and cheerful
That it seemed the garden
ought to come awake;
But I'm sure he knew it wouldn't —
Knew his efforts simply couldn't
Melt the frosting on a February cake.
Still he sang with all his being
'Til he really had me seeing
There against the lacy
background of the pine
One small scarlet heart a-beating
As for someone's heart competing.
What a lovely little living Valentine!
Margaret Rorke (1915-2000) wrote poetry that was regularly published on the editorial pages of The Saginaw News (2,824 different poems in all). From 1975 through 1990, approximately 400 of her poems were featured in Judd Arnett’s column in The Detroit Free Press, and her poetry appeared in countless other settings throughout her lifetime.
The digital edition of her 4,000 published poems as well as her three books of poetry have recently been added to the Library of Congress's collection of American poetry.
Download or print any poem from this website and email or send it to friends or family members. It will brighten their day!
Hang up a poem that inspires you somewhere in your home where you’ll see it often, and it will bring you joy every day!
Many of Margaret’s poems tickle the funny poem, and your children are sure to enjoy them. Make them a bedtime read!
Margaret Rorke published over 4,000 poems in her lifetime. If you are looking for a poem on a particular topic, please fill out the form here, and her daughter, Peg, and son, Bob, will be in touch with what they can find.