The Cardinal

In memory of my mother.

They were perched upon the limbs
of the old oak tree,
their bright red colors
piercing the gloom of the
cold winter’s day.

It is said that a cardinal represents
a loved one who has passed away.
When you see one it means they
are visiting you, usually during times
when you need them most.

Mom’s birthday would have been
on that wintry afternoon.
It usually landed right on
or near Thanksgiving and birthday cake
would be served along with the pumpkin pie.

Now that she is gone, the empty seat
at the table was a ghostly reminder
that she is no longer with us.
It will be up to my sister or I
to carve the turkey, my oldest brother
to say ‘grace’.

We did, however, still give thanks
and celebrated our mother,
a life well lived,
as we gazed at the beautiful
ruby-colored birds peeking at
us through our dining room window.

Reviews

[emmajoygreen]

This is such a beautiful poem, dear Dara and how symbolic is the beautiful cardinal or here, the robin.. both feely giving songs that feel the air and whatever mood. Was a time when a Hannah died but the robin outside her window kept singing - perhaps a hymn. Each and all your words echo so many other peoples' thoughts and feelings but it is you one must say a warm and sincere 'thank you'for sharing you wonderful art with precious words. Beautiful sadness. dear lady

[Dara]

As someone who has known great loss and grieved over loved ones who have passed away, your words are especially meaningful dear Emma. You are young but your outlook on life is so mature and wise for your age. It is always such a pleasure to have you visit my site. Thank you a thousand times. I hope you are doing well! Have a great weekend.

[emmajoygreen]

We go back quite a while so guess we know more than 'the average bear' about the other.. .. and, is comforting to feel about life and all it's ups and down in the way we can and do. Thank YOU a thousand times plus one!!! .

[Coyote Poetry]

A lovely poem to remember your mother. I have a bird feeder. When it empty. My many birds I feed. Scream, not sing. I love the early morning. The song of the morning birds. Good way to awake dear Dara. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Dara]

Your early morning image gives me such a smile. What a wonderful way to start the day. Take care!

[Coyote Poetry]

It is. The birds can be loud. First time ever. I have the blue jays eating from the bird feeder.

[The_Ancient_Rock]

A heart felt poem indeed.

When I first read the Cardinal as a title thought you were talking about... Richelieu. lol

But no... it was only... the lovely bird.

Sad poem...

But... good poetry.

;)

[Dara]

Hello my new friend! Yes, I can see how you might have thought that. :-) It was very sad to lose my mom. She did have a wonderful life and lived to be the ripe old age of 92 so that is a blessing. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and share your thoughts.

[The_Ancient_Rock]

You're most welcome!

I know how hard it can be to lose our loved ones. At any age...

Be in peace, be well.

Blessed be!!!

[Chris Shaw]

Beautiful poem to honour the memory of your much loved mother. We have robin redbreasts in the UK. I too look on them as being a visit from a dearly departed loved one. Your cardinals are beautiful little birds. I too remember my mum on special occasions. We miss her a great deal. I often light candles in her memory. The burning flame helps my mood. I find it uplifting. Thank you Dara fo sharing such a personal poem.

Chris

[Dara]

Dear Chris, I have been away too long. I savor your kind words and am so happy to see them even if I am behind in my reading. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and thoughts with me.

[Chris Shaw]

It is lovely to find you back here. Good to see you posting again Dara. Sending you all good wishes across the pond.

[Dara]

Thank you! Your words made my day. I have been suffering from a writer’s block but slowly trying to get back on my feet. Take care!

[Chris Shaw]

The dreaded block, happens to us all. I hope your muse is kind to you, and so pleased am I that I have been able to touch your day Dara. All the best.

[Lisasview]

Good morning Dara
Enjoyed your short story about your dear Mother.
Never knew the story about the cardinal.
In our family the butterfly represents our mother.
When we see one close by we know our mother is visiting us.
Lisa, now in Spain

[Dara]

Thank you so much for reading my poem and sharing your thoughts. I love the idea of the butterfly as well. Sometimes they show up in the most unexpected places. Makes you wonder…. :-) Take care!

[Lisasview]

You are so welcome.
Did you read my poem Butterfly kisses...
My mother gave us butterfly kisses when we were young.
L

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Dara... it is a Comfort to see the Cardinals up close from our large Kitchen window... where I scatter oiled Sunflower seeds and smaller seeds also for other Birds on the large Deck Railing. Cardinals appear at special times and know that we are Family. Your poem is softly written with a spiritual message. My Mother passed two days after Christmas in 1978. She was as beautiful as Christmas with Hymns and Poinsettias and a Bright Star to guide our days.... so the blue lights of Christmas comfort me, also. tenderly, Pat

[Dara]

Your mom was gone way too soon. I can only imagine what it felt like. I am glad you find comfort in different ways. I too am especially fond of the blue lights at Christmas and white since we don’t get much snow in NC. Thank you for taking the time to read my nostalgic write. Writing is good for the soul and even more so when shared. God bless!

[Kelly Scheppers]

There's no doubt in my mind, your mom was there...just like you said, peeking at you through the dining room window! I lost my mom two weeks before Thanksgiving many years ago, and it was up to me to do all the preparations and all the baking. A tall order when your grandfather is coming to dinner! I believe our mother's instill something in our DNA that gives us the endurance and strength we need to get through life without them. I've never been visited by a cardinal, but I KNOW my mother is in my kitchen every night before a holiday, helping me to keep my cool and to stay focused. She's why my gravy always turns out perfect - every time!! Embrace those memories, my friend. Many blessings, love and light to you this holiday season!

[Dara]

Dear Kelly,
You have summed it up so beautifully. Yes, I definitely can sense my mom’s DNA surging many times as well. I am even starting to look more like her. It’s tragic you lost your mom so soon. What a wonderful feeling to sense her presence though, especially when cooking Thanksgiving dinner. I left my hometown early in life but my sister stayed. Her birthday was only two days before my mother’s so they often celebrated together. Funny thing is she encounters cardinals many times in very weird ways. They definitely comfort her. I hope your memories of your mom give you comfort during the Holidays. It can be an especially trying time. I imagine California doesn’t have many cardinals but may you continue to feel her presence. Hugs!!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

This is beautiful, Dara.
And I just wrote a piece over this weekend about my mom and the quilts she used to make.
they will always be with us.
j.

[Dara]

Thank you Jacob. Yes, even though they are sorely missed especially during holidays, they are always with us. I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving!