“I Observe Sparrows” by George Freek

Photo Credit: Cédric VT

Leaves fall from trees,
almost cheerfully, as if
this was a soothing therapy,
but this is November.
The sky is the color of cement,
and life is at a standstill;
but as the world suffers,
from its seasonal disease,
the sparrow brings me cheer.
Even in this weather,
he hops with contentment,
even though death is often near.
My grief moves slower,
but it still overwhelms me.
Is bravery simple ignorance?
I’m unlike the sparrow.
When I turn my back on trouble,
I find I have more to fear.
As I crawl, rather than hop
through the winter,
I think of the sparrow,
and I’m of two minds,
but I look with renewed
anticipation toward the coming year.

Artist Statement

Like all my poems, they express my emotions at a particular moment. They might alter from day to day, and  l need to write another poem because I then feel a different way.

George Freek's poetry has appeared in numerous journals and reviews. His poem "Night Thoughts" was recently nominated for a Pushcart Prize.