A female cardinal on the porch rail

Hops and chirps, unaware of the 80lb dog just behind the window glass –

Her muted colors disappear

Into the Boston fern she dives into

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House finches peep, with a flurry of wings

Fluttering into the hanging geraniums

Fussing in the little nest they have hidden

Before setting off to light on the magnolia

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Squirrels run circles around the oleanders

Hopping onto the roof with a clutter

Running along the edge noisily

Before leaping onto the back fence

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The morning sun pours through live oak

Filtering it through the blinds –

I’m distracted by the life and energy

Just outside my windows to the porch

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