THE LONELY SPARROW

I lie awake and I have become a lonely bird alone on a rooftop. Psalm 102:7

The Lonely Sparrow

I saw two small speckled sparrows

perched on a tree

Tiny and insignificant

no one seems to see.

 

Their tattered coats were brown

speckled with black

Feathers ruffled

as the wind beat upon their back.

 

Two small sparrows

that God forgot

In one stormy night

one fell and the other did not.

 

One lone speckled sparrow

went on and on

Looking in vain

for the one that was gone.

 

Its downcast eyes looked dimmed,

brokenhearted

soul achin'

but can't fly away to escape the rain.

 

Once a cheerful little bird

who enjoyed a company

There was little left to find

but the comfort of the canopy.

 

Neither a robin nor a jay

would dare come

It won't say a word

because of what it has become.

 

Mundane and indifference

forced this lone sparrow to flee

And now it has no other place to live

but on a broken tree.

 

I saw that little speckled sparrow

sitting alone on that old tree

And I cry in silence because the sparrow

was me ...

by NeiL ArandA 10/2005

Author's Note

" And most of all LORD please free me from this aching metal ring and open out my cage towards the Son "

The sparrow is one of the most common birds on earth. Wherever you go you will be sure to see and hear them. The sparrow is a cheerful little bird and it is only really happy when it has company. But in Psalm 102:7 we find a lonely sparrow. The Psalmist, usually so joyful in the Lord, is feeling depressed, distressed and forsaken. He feels just like a lonely sparrow alone on a rooftop of a house.

“If you meet a loner, no matter what they tell you, it's not because they enjoy solitude. It's because they have tried to blend into the world before, and people continue to disappoint them.” ~ Jodi Picoult

Reviews

[Daisie Vergara (Dhaye)]

Neil, I almost cry with your story here. Why you called yourself a Lonely Sparrow.

In life, we need company. We need someone to be with us. But when that only companion we have is gone, then each moment would be sorrowful for the one left.

Neil, you are a good person. You can find someone who will go with you on that tree.

This is so moving but brilliant. The word choice, the rhyme and rhythm are exceptional. Neil, you are an exceptional poet! I salute you!

[NeiL ArandA]

Thanks Dhaye for this comment. I think I have just explained to you the meaning of this piece. Its my first debut to poetry.

[Daisie Vergara (Dhaye)]

Yes, that was my review 2 weeks ago. You only read it late. Hehe. You're welcome.

[icelandicblue]

Oh god, this made me tear up it was so sad. I would not want any sparrow to be alone. My heart broke when the other was lost and when you revealed that it was you saddened me deeply. This is an exceptionally beautiful and poignant poem.

[NeiL ArandA]

oh...BlueIce ....you prick my heart as well... This is my birthplace to the world of poetry. I appreciate your warm and sympathetic words

[Tom]

A soulful lament penned with touching, somber sobriety!

[NeiL ArandA]

Thanks Tom for your visit. I will return the favor...and its forth coming

[Bob Sherunkle]

I wont look at a sparrow with indefference agin.That was superb,I really enjoyed this.

[NeiL ArandA]

Bob that was awesome that you find this piece interesting. I do appreciate your short visit.

[gabrielle]

The rhyming couplets are impressive. As to the content, i could feel the sorrow and the anguish on this poem. the sorrow is so "infectious" yet some positive thoughts came out of it:

Little speckled sparrow sitting on the old tree
Crying alone and broken yet no one could see
How soon would he realize how blessed is he
That strength in pain is God’s silent answer to his plea

Little speckled sparrow on a sturdy tree
Singing, dancing for the entire world to see
Ah, he could not hide how delighted is he
At last, he felt that God has heard his plea.

[NeiL ArandA]

Wow Gabrielle, that was so nice of you to translate your comment into a extended or parallel version of the poem itself. You made my evening today. Thanks a lot Gabrielle. I'm still and always hoping that God would hear my plight and the deep sighs of my heart one day ... Thanks for your visit ...

[Sami Khalil]

I like the analogy alot. You have shared a marvelous poem with us...:)...............

[NeiL ArandA]

Thanks again Sami, you bless and honor me again with your visit.

[Sami Khalil]

God bless you too...You are welcome...:)...............

[Joyce S. Greene]

A very sad song, Neil. I could feel your speaker's pain and hope that this is just your Muse, not you, communicating. Your emotions were expressed very well which is an essential part of poetry. Write on!

[NeiL ArandA]

This was my first debut to Poetry Ms Joyce . A life altering experienced caused me to tap into this new interest. I gave up my former passion for Chess and switched to Poetry ... I am still very naive and novice ... unlike the rest of the Poets in this site including you were all very gifted and talented . Always appreciate you encouraging thoughts .