Little brown sparrow,
 
you sing the first spring anthem
 
in your repertoire.

 
 
 

Little brown sparrow,
 
the house of love is open—
 
come in from the cold!

 
 
 

Little brown sparrow,
 
I know only winter songs—
 
teach me something warm.

 
 
 

Little brown sparrow,
 
please guide me on my journey
 
into the unknown.

 
 
 

After New Year’s Day,
 
I prepare for your return,
 
little brown sparrow.

 
 
 

Little brown sparrow,
 
the new year’s fast approaching—
 
when will you return?

 
 
 

You didn’t tell me
 
that winter would come so soon,
 
little brown sparrow.

 
 
 

With each song you sing
 
you teach me thanksgiving’s way,
 
little brown sparrow.

 
 
 

Misty autumn dawn—
 
with the sparrow’s first thin notes
 
my joy is renewed.

A white-crowned sparrow,

while passing through my garden,

leaves its song behind.