Shrewd Sparrow

By Kieran

 The Shrewd Sparrow


 
Original artwork and poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025, dedicated to the childhood memory of Sparrows


Sparrows adapted to living near humans thousands of years ago, shrewd birds

Their chittering was a soothing sign that everything was okay in the world

They did not need much to build their untidy nests - a cracked tile or old shoe.

Not one to fuss about aesthetics, their house was so messy, you'd say, "phee ewe"

Quick to learn, they knew when it was time to gather for a feast of cooked rice.

The cacophony of the feeding frenzy drew other sparrows to eat it in a trice.

Sadly with the loss of habitat and the proliferation of pigeons, they're hard to spot

But never count out the shrewd sparrow, the ultimate survivor who can teach us a lot

Comments

Anonymous said…
Never count them out!!! Sparrows have reappeared in Bandra after a hiatus of several years. This time they're here for keeps. (WhatsApp comment from a very dear relative in Bandra, Mumbai, India)
November 5, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Kieran said…
Yes, they are resilient but still need help - Kieran
November 5, 2025 at 6:56 PM
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