Photo by Marti Garvey: https://momartiphotos.tumblr.com/
A RADIANCE OF CARDINALS
She told me
Cardinals appeared after his death,
like sentinels keeping watch
over her wounded heart,
they painted her yard
a vibrant red,
the color of her still beating heart
torn apart by loss,
sorrow heightens our senses
to what lives around the edges,
the things that vibrate with
mystical meaning,
we tune to that frequency
when death occurs,
when the world offers no
respite from pain,
our minds and hearts open
to the presence of angels,
to a radiance of cardinals,
to spiritual wonder,
it’s a rare window,
only open when the heart is ready
to see, feel and hear
the presence and power of the universe,
invite cardinals into that space
they will help heal your wounded heart.
Thank you so much, Marti Garvey, for letting me use this amazing photo!
Check out Marti’s other photos at: https://momartiphotos.tumblr.com/
Just Poetry and Prose 
Layers of beauty in these words, and each can be lifted to remind our hearts of that which has no words. The most perfect time to be reminded is now.
Thank you, Judy. Your comment means a lot and I agree that we can always use reminders of the wonder beyond our words. xoxo
I will watch for my cardinals at the feeder and remember these words. It would be good to find solace in their bright movements.
Thank you, Maureen. I agree that cardinals can offer solace as well as bring us delight in their colorful presence. xoxo
The poem is beautiful & it touches my heart. It says exactly how I feel now & whenever there is loss. Nature speaks to me everyday & when life is filled with grieve and emotional heaviness it seems to speak to me a little louder. I have had so many occurrences & reminders from nature just to be open & breathe. We are all energy on this precious Earth Mother Planet. Thank you Rita & I’m honored to have my photo accompany your gorgeous words ❤️ marti
Thank you, Marti! Your photo elevates my words to a whole different level. It’s astonishing and magical to see so many cardinals gathered in one place. Thank you for sharing your gifts and talents and thank you for your kind, insightful words about the poem. We truly are all energy on Mother Earth Planet. xoxo