welcoming songbird beckons sun berry bright singer on snowy landscape tragedy’s summer sting leaves me undone warm tears still fall on autumn leaves till winter shrugs its cold shoulder ushers isolation as my somber heart grieves return, wee harbinger of spirit connection your engaging trill evokes smiles and his voice fills me with recollection oh, cardinal, turn your songs to love’s ember convey my gratitude to a love that passed let your melody gently whisper, “remember” *February 13, 2019 *Many believe that a red cardinal sighting is a sign that a spirit seeks to connect. Cardinals also symbolize renewal of spirit within ourselves.