Bars and Shadows

Seven Little Sparrows

Beyond the deep-cut window
      The bars are heaped with snow,
And seven little sparrows
      Are sitting in a row.

Fluffy blur of snowflakes;
      Dappled haze of light;
The narrow prison vista
      Is all awhirl with white.

Seven little sparrows
      Ruffled brown and grey
Snuggled close against the bars—
      And this is Christmas day!