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Notes About The Poem

Later this same day, while we were inside watching Sooners softball, Big Red returned to the patio, as did his mate and two youngsters. They ate some dry cat food bits while he made music. When they left, he remained and ate a few bits before returning to the tree line at the back of our yard. We like to give them credit for an ability to overcome their fear and appreciate our gifts to them as we appreciate their beauty and their song. Yes, we think he was saying, "Thank you."

The bits were tuna flavored, according to the bag. I wonder if they will eat chicken flavored bits as well. Wouldn't that be some form of cannibalism? After all, chickens are fellow birds; and most birds are on some animals' lunch list. Just kidding.

Two cannibals were enjoying some fish on the beach of some South Sea island, when one said, "You know, I haven't had a decent missionary to eat in months. I've had them grilled, broiled, boiled, baked, and sauteed. Not one was worth eating." The other cannibal asked, "Where are you getting your missionaries?" The first replied, "That big island south of here a few miles. You know...where they all have a bald spot and they all wear brown robes they tie together with a rope." "That's your problem," said the other cannibal. "Those are friars."

You're most welcome

Today He Sang To Me

Each morning, for several years,
We’ve fed the squirrels and birds.
Oh, the fun we have watched
And the beautiful songs we've heard.
Families have started and grown.
Once two squirrels, now eight.
Cardinals, among many other birds,
Know feeding time….are never late.
Cardinals mate for life and prefer 
A permanent nest to call their home.
And if food is readily available,
Even their young won’t roam.
So, now our trees are filled 
With morning Cardinal song.
Our cats are old and fat. 
All is good and life is long.
A bigger Cardinal, I call him Big Red,
Is first there every morning.
I think he’s the elder whose job it is
To sing out his ‘OKs’ or issue warnings.
He watches from the trees as I feed.
He used to hide, but no more.
He’s been coming closer lately,
I guess by now he thinks he knows the score.
This Spring morning was so ideal; 
So, after feeding, it was coffee on the patio;
Watching all the critters nosh 
As they come and go, come and go.
Quite suddenly, not even ten feet away,
The big Cardinal landed on the patio.
Surprised as could be, I was very still.
“Hey, Big Red.”, I said, sure that he would go.
He stood his ground, giving me the eye.
I could see his mate on the fence,
Watching so intently, 
Probably wishing he would fly.
Slowly I lifted my cup in a toast.
“Cardinals rule.” I said quietly.
Then, something very special happened.
For a time, he sang....to me.
It made me very happy.

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Andrea Dietrich

Date: 6/4/2015 11:31:00 PM

that is so nice what happened at the end. Big Red. Always loved that name for another animal as well! I really love when birds occupy our territory. WE had some swallows about our garage. i adored seeing them but I think they hated how I was always watching them. they did not return to make their nest their for two years now.