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The Sparrow

When the shadows, then darkness
Hide the colors of the day
And a serene Sunday morning
Steals the spirit's faith away

When the last dream is a memory
And there is no place to go
And the warmest summer breezes
Have become the winter snow

Can a tiny mottled sparrow
With its wings of feathers fair
Lift a heart so bold and daring
Up to fly in frozen air

Will he see beyond the valley
Of the wicked and the sin
And can he rise above the searing pain
That drives him down again

Then bind my heart with threads of iron
Seal my fate with lore
Leave my soul in hells of fire
Then let me soar once more

Francis J Grasso   © 02.26.2020

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Sara Kendrick

Date: 10/5/2021 7:12:00 AM

I am not so sure about the implications of the wording on this one. I hope it is not your life's philosophy. Sara

Francis J Grasso
Date: 7/5/2022 6:33:00 AM

How else can the human spirit test its limits unless it first overcomes the pain and fear and loss in living. Thank you, Sara...live free! ...Fran

Joe Dimino

Date: 7/2/2021 6:57:00 AM

A masterpiece! A fav!!

Francis J Grasso
Date: 7/2/2021 7:46:00 AM

Thank you, Joe. You are very kind. Happy to hear you enjoyed the read. ...Fran

Charles Miess

Date: 4/24/2021 6:50:00 AM

This poem reminds me of Thomas Hardy's "The Darkling Thrush," and of the lark in Shakespeare's Sonnet 29. Fran's poem, however, has a quality that would appeal more to a modern reader.

Francis J Grasso
Date: 6/13/2021 5:04:00 PM

Thanks, Chuck. One of the things I enjoy about writing poetry is learning what the poem means to the readers. It often time brings to light new meanings on how I first saw the poem. Most all my poems start with a few lines that seem to come spontaneously. I seldom have a clear picture of where I want the poem to go or what I want the piece to say.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 3/5/2020 9:01:00 PM

you have a beautiful pen, Francis!

Francis J Grasso
Date: 3/6/2020 7:01:00 AM

Hi, Andrea and thank you. I have been a little busier with life and haven't had the time to write as much, but I am looking forward to writing more again. If my muse hasn't left me for greener pastures! ...Fran