Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE SPARROW'S FALL, by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Too frail to soar - a feeble thing Last Line: Like children, on our father's breast? Subject(s): Sparrows | ||||||||
Too frail to soar -- a feeble thing -- It fell to earth with fluttering wing; But God, who watches over all, Beheld that little sparrow's fall. 'Twas not a bird with plumage gay, Filling the air with its morning lay; 'Twas not an eagle bold and strong, Borne on the tempest's wing along. Only a brown and weesome thing, With drooping head and listless wing; It could not drift beyond His sight Who marshals the splendid stars of night. Its dying chirp fell on His ears, Who tunes the music of the spheres, Who hears the hungry lion's call, And spreads a table for us all. Its mission of song at last is done, No more will it greet the rising sun; That tiny bird has found a rest More calm than its mother's downy breast. Oh, restless heart, learn thou to trust In God, so tender, strong and just; In whose love and mercy everywhere His humblest children have a share. If in love He numbers ev'ry hair, Whether the strands be dark or fair, Shall we not learn to calmly rest, Like children, on our Father's breast? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...HOUSE SPARROWS by ANTHONY HECHT FIFTH GROUP OF VERSE: 9. DAVID by CHARLES REZNIKOFF SPARROWS AMONG DRY LEAVES by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS THE SPARROW by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS A DOUBLE STANDARD by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER AN APPEAL TO MY COUNTRYWOMEN by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER |
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