In Memory of my beloved wife Patricia (Trish) Rafferty

[eireannach]

The Cardinal

Simple things precious
Not noticed before
A cardinal dancing
Outside her front door

Hopping and chirping
Sweet singing was heard
She longed to join in
But could not speak a word

Her eyes made it plain
All she wanted to say
So seed was provided
Each start of the day

Freedom in common
Was something not shared
Could it be some how
That the little bird cared?

It passed on to her
All she wished to do
With bouncing and singing
He helped pull her through

One cool August morning
Before break of day
Like the cardinal so cherished
She too flew away

© 2009 G. O’ Raithbheartaigh

This bird would come daily without fail because we scattered bird seed
on the front porch. Trish delighted in it's presence and her
eyes would dance when it came around. I kind of felt as
though this bird was a little red "angel".
Trish went home to be with the Lord on August 14, 2006.
From the day she passed away, the bird hasn't returned.

[lostinlouisville]

That was beautiful, My aunt has red birds in her yard and she looks at them as a sign something good is going to happen. Almost like a promise from God. May your dear wife rest in Peace and also may you find joy in your life.


Renee

[dldred]

That was very beautiful, my mom finds it comforting to watch the birds also. I know your wife is in the company of her special red angel.

Dana

[imanzcan]

This is so touching. The part that saddened me was when the bird did not return after she passed. It could be that was her little red angel. He sent that bird to show her the way to heaven. I remember on the day my son was buried, I had to go to town to pick up something. I was going down a country road, then all of a sudden I noticed this dove flying the same direction I was headed. This bird was in front of me so I slowed down. As I slowed down, the dove landed on the paved road, and he wouldn't move. I came to a complete stop, and this dove was still there, just staring at me. I looked through my rear view mirror to see if any cars were coming. When I looked again to see about this dove, the dove was gone. I just sat there for a while in amazement. When I got home my family knew something had happened. They asked me what happened, because I was white as a ghost. When I told them about the dove, they told me right away that this bird was just an angel sent rom God. May your dear wife rest in peace, God bless and thanks or sharing.

Irma

[hopingforcure]

Thank you for sharing, My mom's name meant bird in Latin, so I always feel a peace in my heart when I see birds signing, your story was so special, it is great to hear of a memory so special as this, thank you for sharing with us.. It meant so much to me..

[brooksea]

Thank you for the poem and God bless your wife...

[Jeannie]

That was amazing, may your wife rest in peace
In friendship
Jeannie

[kylisa]

Wonderful poem. Priceless memories!

[JustMeCat]

What a tender remembrance!...the bird never returned...speechless...

God Bless you....