A Cardinal flew between two pine trees.

So fast it darted, that the very air

Seemed to burn with passion,

And combust into flames.

 

It’s body appeared to quiver

With unrequited love,

And with a drawing in

Of its trembling breath,

A piercing whistle

Rang over and over  in

The stillness of the forest.

 

A brown Cardinal nearby,

Raised her head until

Her wandering eyes

Found him.

She lifted her wings

And shook them.

She preened her feathers

With her lovely beak.

 

With bashful eyes,

She gave him a signal:

“Show me your glory.”

From deep within his heart,

Arose a passionate cry:

“I’m here, I’m here.

Cheer,cheer,cheer.”

Yu/stan/kema.