baby sparrow

I was like a tiny sparrow. newly hatched and too early stumbled out of the nest. helpless, I lay in the ashes, spreading my little wings. with my small voice I called for help, but it never came. defenseless, in the middle of a dangerous, too-windy world. alone.

but you came to me and lifted me out of my ashes. into my despair reached your gentle hand, and you began to care for me. in my orphanhood, you became a father to me. I bonded to you and recognized your voice from far away. our relationship became close and tender. you carried me, flightless, in the shelter of your palm, to places I could never have dreamed of.

then the day came when I grew and learned to fly on my own. I spread my wings and felt the power of the wind beneath me. in the strength I felt, as time went on, I forgot. I forgot that I had been lifted out of the ashes. I puffed out my chest feathers proudly and was pleased with myself. how well I had managed! and why not others too, since I had done it. it was their own fault if they lay in their ashes.

one evening, you took me to the far edge of that abandoned garden. you brushed away the fallen leaves and revealed beneath them my ash-nest. the pain returned to my chest and burned deep inside me. I remembered what it was like to be helpless, just gasping for breath. when no one heard my cry.

you touched my heart deeply in that moment. my heart, swollen with pride, was humbled, and I fell to my knees in the ashes. I wept tears of great joy and deep sorrow. I remembered again what it was like when I ate ashes like bread and mixed my drink with tears.

with gratitude, I looked back on the path behind me, your hand’s shelter over my life. would you help me, so that I too could stretch out my wings over another who has fallen into the ashes. I long for my heart to be as gentle and wide as yours.

love,

Pia