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.

[disciple]

This is 2016,yet in a very long while,I have not come to read such an inspiring and touching piece...This is evergreen.

[NeiL ArandA]

Sorry for the late response to your comments Ms Disciple. This piece was my first entry and debut to poetry after giving up my first passion to Chess. Thank you that you felt every emotions and laments poured by the author on this poem.

[Melinda McQueen]

A very emotional write. It's a hard thing to express, but you did so beautifully.
If you want ,feel free to read my poem "God Knew Lonely".

[NeiL ArandA]

Thank you Melinda...I would surely do that and stop by to savor your writing. This piece was my first composition and at that time I have not fully committed myself to poetry since I was still exploring and trying to better myself with chess. But when I was aiming to pen the most loneliest poem this is what I came up with and every line has its own meaning and interpretation because it is something that the author experienced. Ever since then I always wanted to surpass this piece whenever I tried to pen another one. I want something that you can always go back and read it over and over again and it is still as good as the day and time you first thought and penned it.

[Melinda McQueen]

It is always great to aspire to be better. You're great at it.

[Jamestown]

This is a great piece of work! I believe everyone will be able to relate to this piece
which is sad but true, so many are dealing with life's loneliness, break-ups, abandonment,
etc... well written and executed, thanks for sharing and b-blessed!

[NeiL ArandA]

Thank you so much Jamestown for your continued support and grazing this piece. This is my first poem penned.

[Woody]

sad but not in a gloomy sense. this touches the heart with its simplicity and tenderness.
loneliness when imposed and not chosen can weigh heavy on the heart. I think someone once said: Man is sociable by nature.
love this poem.

[NeiL ArandA]

I appreciate much your comments on this piece Woody. That is right with your last line " No man is an island " and perhaps birds too. Loneliness is a global epidemic and its quite puzzling that its common in developed or prosperous country than in third world country.

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Beautiful poem. It draws you in from the first lines. Sad also, it wasn't meant to live a life on our own in solitude an loneliness. I see this is an old poem from 2005. Thank you for share this writing. :) Rudi

[NeiL ArandA]

Thank you for your comely visit Rudi . My first debut to poetry is when I penned this piece . I will return your kindness .

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Thank you so much. It's a great debut...love to read your other work. Merry Christmas. :) Rudi

[Benita-Staebell M - Kin..]

Luke 12:6-7: Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.



This was such a beautiful piece little sparrow
thank you for sharing this wonderful piece.


I saw that little speckled sparrow

sitting alone on that old tree

And I cry in silence because the sparrow

was me ...






Thank you for your review and comments
you left on my page.



God bless. Benita

[NeiL ArandA]

Thanks you Benita for the read. It is base in the story of scriptures and people who may have experienced and battles such loss and pain in their life at some point.

[Benita-Staebell M - KindredPoet]

you're welcome. yes you painted that picture of this write quite well. take care. Benita

[Eddie Davis]

Luke 12:6-7: Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.

A powerfully sad but beautiful poem, Neil, exploring the sudden pain of loss and loneliness. Sometimes it seems unfair when a spouse, friend or child dies and leaves others alone. We think we are forgotten and feel worthless like a sparrow. But Jesus said that God considers even the 'worthless' sparrows and cares for them, and assured us that most certainly he will care for us in our times of grief. I have personally experienced this twice in my life and I can testify that God does indeed care and will sustain those who rely on him in troubling times.

[NeiL ArandA]

Even God's children aren't immune to such situation. I am so glad that Jesus Himself experienced such feeling so He can truly relate and identify with us when we cry out to Him. Thanks Eddie for your insightful thoughts

[jacob erin-cilberto]

no matter how small we might seem to others, when we fall from the tree and pass away...there will be someone who feels very lonely because of it.
everyone, no matter how insignificant he or she feels, is loved by someone else.

[NeiL ArandA]

Sadness is such a common, epidemic, universal word now a day. I tried my best to pen and express this word in poetic terms. I am not sure if I ever came that close. Thanks Jacob . Sorry I missed this comment of yours.

[Frieda P]

Oh my soul is aching after reading this one Neil...solitude is one thing, but being 'left' behind alone is quite another. An affecting, albeit bittersweet harmony here.

[NeiL ArandA]

Thank you Ms Frieda for your kind thoughts .