My cardinal is still visiting me everyday. I can still catch a glimpse of his outlandish plumage in the leaf-bare treetops most mornings. Sometimes he visits from farther away, but I can still hear his beautiful love song.
But there is treachery in his bold red heart. He eats from the next door neighbor’s bird feeder. Can you believe it?
How could he do this to me?
He’s MY cardinal.
Their birdfeeder is one of those kind that attaches to a window, and they have it ruthlessly attached to their kitchen window, 2nd floor. I can see it from my porch. I can feel the green bile of jealousy frothing in my veins.
I need to take a deep breath and back away.
After some time to think about this more clearly, I decided to try to be generous with my forgiveness toward man and bird.
The cardinal may be here visiting our neighborhood for someone else in addition to me. Maybe someone else is dealing
with loss and needs the comfort and joy that this sparkling red bird brings to us every day.
Maybe I need to get to know my neighbors better.
Still, I wish that little guy would come closer to MY kitchen window.
Sigh.
lifefullyinhabited 