Freshly Rained,
The smell of life in the air,
I see the cardinals on the roof.

The male - brilliant red and well preened with orange beak -
                     so red he almost glows.
The female - subtle hues of muted red, green, brown -
                     a wonderful palette.
Watching, it is clear that they are the same and yet different -
                     each with their own beauty.

They peck on the roof, likely eating insects attracted by the water.
Enthralled, I just sit and enjoy their beauty,
Life refreshing before me.

I think they have yet to mate;
I see the male occasionally fly to the female - flirtatiously offering her food,
As if to prove his ability to raise her young.

Watching them I remember fledglings of the past,
And know that there will be more to come.
I am captivated.

I just sit and watch the dance of life.
Being with their glory and courting.
Until they fly away and bring me back to myself.