An Echo of Rain

As I watched the day Through my rain-streaked window pane A flash of flame on my sill alit A cardinal came! His splendor belied The expression of pain In his piercing cries And are those tears in his eyes Or were those drops of rain?

He shook himself This shy paramour I remained in my place, but In spite of my care He left this roost, to the ground below I followed his flight to the grass. To the rain-soaked form; Lying, on it's back, one wing aslant. Was it because of the rain?

		He hopped in majesty Of scarlet and black, Around the life spent shell of his lady love Whose heart had beat it's last. She, obeying her lord, was first to go Through the rain to explore To find the place to nest and lay Their eggs to hatch, out of harm's way Now he sheds tears Or is it only the rain?

She can venture no more, Vanguard and Mast Before signalling her courage For her mate to come last From the safety whence he bide. Her soggy feathers mute witness To the dangers far and wide. The cat was clever; It knew where to hide - Striking her mortal Before she could fly. Now, her lord cries His sorrow and pride With tears in his eyes. Or is it only the rain? C.J.T. 2006

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