Ode To a Fallen Sparrow

Oh, dear Sparrow! Fallen still
Softly feathered where you lay
As of a soldier gently eased
To sleep in dreams away
Whose dying wish was lost, was lost
In wars of yesterday

Your folded wings are nestled close
Your uniform unmarred
There is no stain upon your coat
Nor mark upon your bars
It seems from battle you emerged
Without a battle scar

For there you are composed, serene
Your earthly visage calm
No sign of struggle or of strife
No specter of alarm
Nor outward damage I can see –
Within, then, be the harm

Where broken wounds internalize
Beyond the battlefield
Where kamikaze skirmishes
Could not survive the steel
And solid soundness of the pane
Which from you did not yield

To you then, fallen warrior
In tribute, hear my prayer –
That you may soar unbounded, free
With worry none, nor care
In everlasting flight on wings
As virtual as air –
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

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Smith Avatar
February 20, 2024 at 3:53 PM
Poor sweet fallen bird!/ Hardly anyone writes poems/ After your song stops :( (https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/little_bird_1497372)
Smith Avatar
February 18, 2024 at 11:24 PM
now i feel like... :( so sad! poor lil sparrow :(
Oldham Avatar
February 20, 2024 at 3:13 PM
This was based on a true experience - poor lil bird :(
Smith Avatar
November 23, 2023 at 11:02 PM
:)
Oldham Avatar
November 30, 2023 at 4:16 AM
;)
Gayagay Avatar
April 9, 2023 at 4:31 AM
Beautiful, beautiful tribute. Great analogy, rhythm and rhyme. Love this, John.
Oldham Avatar
April 9, 2023 at 4:21 PM
Thanks, Ryan. Appreciate it! Best - john
Turner Avatar
April 8, 2023 at 5:42 PM
I really like this one, John. Great concept and rhyme. Nice job!
Oldham Avatar
April 9, 2023 at 4:20 PM
Good to hear, Daniel! Thanks! Peace - john
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