Vesper Sparrow

He sings atop a tree at close of day
Beguiling the sun to tarry, not to stay,
Pleading him not to withdraw his light
Until dusk has failed and gloom gloats with night.
But with the bright season's returning strength
Each morning nigh midsummer extends its length.
Up he flits to a red cedar's steeple,
A tenor's voice calling all good people
To lift Te Deum in a warbled hymn
For the Ancient of Days, the Maker, Him
Who taught him the notes of the evensong
And the matins chant, melodious and long.
Cock your ear and at an angle prick it
Before he retreats to a cloister thicket
When mute winter dampens summer's chapel
And ends trilled prayers after fall’s ripe apple.

For a copper coin are two sparrows bought,
But none shall fall apart from Him who wrought.
While you may, heed the Sparrow's canticle;
Hear it resound in every particle:
To our Heavenly Father upward raise
All due proper honor, glory, and praise.
Come, all weary and broken-hearted,
Kneel and confess before night has started.
When on the field grass and buds is the dew,
Carol thanksgivings, the Creator’s due.

--
​Gareth Oakes, a native of Minnesota, lives in Oregon. He is an MFA student.