The Nest

 I watched the female cardinal yesterday

     (the one who raised her young in our burning bush)

The babies fledged--they fly albeit haltingly

     Looking back to mama.

She seemed to be ignoring them until Val

     our lean black cat sauntered past.

Then her body was on high alert,

     watching, making sure the young were still safe.

I wonder if at night she stretches her wings in her nest

and if it suddenly feels too large.