They darted to and fro as the heavy blossoms of the dogwood tree hung obligingly, hiding their secret nest.Two dashes of red. one somewhat brighter than the other, flitted industriously around their emerging home.
I later peeked through the branches to see squawking mouths devour worm victims as the two faithfully hovered by protecting their young.
Later, more flutters began emerging from a leafy green loft. Flying lessons were the order of the day, and the female encouraged awkward attempts as she fluttered here and there urging them on.
Ever so soon, the little ones emerged, plump and confident, strutting on the lawn to investigate the world around.

One day, only too soon, the family disappeared, but life became very busy for me as I fulfilled teaching commitments and checked on my Mother after Dad’s recent passing. However, returning from school one afternoon, I noticed the two cardinals sitting on the branches outside my window. “Family gone, empty nest,” I mused.
As summer disappeared into a blaze of fall colors, I noticed the little male sitting all alone one day. He would fly away and then come back as if searching
This seemed to be an after school ritual. He did not leave when winter came, but often came and sat at my window. This continued for two years. My husband remarked how unusual for the little bird to stay around all winter.
The next July, Mother left us too, and I experienced a vacancy in my life. We watched for our little friend after that, would he be company for us this year?
But he never returned.