Fear

Of all wild things the sparrow
unkempt body, claws
like little commas those
ridiculously tiny bones
that brash bird-chirp

is most to be noted
for industrious foraging
effortless flitting
morning to nightfall
bush to bush.

Sparrows are sold
two for a penny in the temple
we are told how easily
and frequently they fall
though never unseen.

Of all qualities to fear
the endearing fearlessness
of a dun-feathered sassy sparrow
is, when you think of it, most
terrifying