while it is still dark
before golden light crests the hill behind my house,
I see a dozen small sparrows hopping through the shallow snow
in the predawn dark of my backyard.
they are bold, almost cheeky, as they peck their way
through the dry grass and weeds and shriveled crabapples
that have fallen from our tree.
I have heard that He is aware of every feather and flap,
and not one has fallen apart from His notice.
I realize He must know which weeds provide the best seeds,
and He plants these in summer’s abundant heat.
these dozen small sparrows do not wonder
who will feed them their daily bread.
it is still dark while they sing their songs of joyful trust,
knowing a feast has already been prepared.
then there’s me—with my tear-stained face
pressed to the ice cold window pane,
hoping & praying, for a small sparrow’s faith.
This is poem 9/12 in our countdown to the release of my poetry collection as the Sparrow flies on February 20th—and now that this this is finally available for purchase I want to take a moment and tell you a little bit more about it.
I wrote this book for me, but I also wrote it for you—it is a companion for the ache that so often comes with love in all its various forms. As I began the project I kept asking myself, “if loving hurt this much, is it worth it?” Writing is how I find my answers.
Through poetic snapshots from my own life, as the Sparrow flies catalogues all the multifaceted pains and unexpected joys that come with loving broken beings in a broken world. When distance parts, loss separates, betrayal destroys, and the deep ache required of sacrificial love feels too heavy and holy to bear—let the Sparrow lead the way. Perhaps, it is not so far after all.
Accompanied by exquisite, original artwork by the talented Bethanie Pack, as the Sparrow flies takes the reader on a journey through the nuanced layers of the grief of love. Over distance, through death, and in wounds—discover something Divine amidst all the ache. And perhaps even more importantly, discover that you are not alone.
xoxo
Gracie