That day I saw a red Cardinal
Sitting on the garden chair
Throwing a sombre glance
At things growing around,
As if casting a spell ..
I looked on spellbound
Just a few seconds ..
And the Cardinal flew away.
It left me wondering if
It was looking for something..
Since then I keep looking out
For a close look at the bird.
Sometimes I see a red flame
Flying past the green trees
Or neatly mowed lush lawns,
Then the vanishing act
Amidst the criss cross shadows
Of trees swaying in the wind.
How I pine to meet the red coat
Always flashing past quickly
Like a fleeting precious memory.
Never too close never too far
Keeps alive the hope in my heart.
To meet some day and shake hands
With the evasive red Cardinal
And ask if he too is looking for
The scintillating colours of life
May be hidden in the deep forests
In the sparkling water of rivers
In the flight of an eagle flying high
In the Robin hopping across the lane
In the wanderings of a blue Jay or
Perhaps in the lively songs birds sing.
