The Grecian Sparrows

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The Grecian sparrows have discovered 
the shallow ledge of water 
where pool meets tile
but doesn't drop yet.

They land in a row, following the bold one;
who tested a beak and toe first on this not-ground, 
and now they sit, or dip and shimmy feathers 
at their own pace, liquid drops slipping off
sand-brown, ruffled chests.

There is no more hard stone edge -
only the soft outlines of resourcefullness:
a man-made armrest a sanctuary
quenching teal thirst for seed-sized hearts.

Take what you need little birds -
may no-one ever stop you
hopping in curious peace
over our designs. 


LJ Ireton, 2024 

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