When one Sparrow Falls

This month’s birth flowers are the violet and the common primrose; birthstone is the amethyst, which symbolizes piety, humility, spiritual wisdom, and sincerity, all quiet attributes for what is essentially a quiet month though it includes Black History Month, Food Freedom Day in Canada on the 8th, Random Acts of Kindness Week from 12th to 18th, and World Day of Social Justice on the 20th… And now a touch of sadness …

WHEN ONE SPARROW FALLS

the sparrow flies
into a cat’s mouth
feathers drifting
into dust
there’s the whisper of shrouds
along the fence line
a dirge of crows
among high cedars
before dusk
rings their watch-night

I leave a trail of flowers
through the cemetery
looking for the sparrow that fell
caught in mourning wreathes
and buried unknown

first published by Other__

Frame and The McGuire – ‘… a gentle yet striking novel about the way our perception influences our judgement of others.’ Amy Mathers. For ages 8-13 … published by Tradewind Books available on Amazon or your local bookstore.

About Joanna M. Weston

Born in England, she is now living in Shawnigan Lake, BC. She is married to Robert, an accountant, and they have three sons, Andrew Jon Mark ... and two cats, Alice and Chaucer. Joanna has an MA from the University of British Columbia. She has published in numerous anthologies and in magazines in Canada, the US, UK, and New Zealand, such as Canadian Women's Studies, Convolvus, Endless Mountains Review, Grain, Green's Magazine, Prairie Fire, Spin, Wascana Review, CBC Gallery, and many more... Clarity House Press has published several of her chapbooks including: Berry and the Birthday Band (2010) One of These Little Ones (1987) – out of print Cuernavaca Diary (1990) – out of print Seasons (1993) – out of print Watch-night (2005) – out of print

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