Original Artwork by Elysia Womersley
Sparrow:
Autumn had stripped the branches bare, and with it hope;
Leaving leafless shoots to shiver from their nakedness.
Life’s jade swept to the ground, as though merely dust—
Wet scrunches underfoot the sole memorial to its passing.
On some rotting roots you stirred, as though you felt the bitterness.
Throwing berries and leaves skywards as you were born into my dark world.
I first noticed your clean cheeks, framing kind eyes—glistening with affection.
Who knew something in this world could be so bright?
Tweeting like you were squabbling with my melancholy,
You hopped forwards, a fuzzy ball ruffling the frost—
Head tilted with concern, for my heart needed thawing.
Though you could doze in a cup, your aura was stronger than the sun.
I didn’t know that I cupped my frozen hands,
An unconscious movement betraying the desperation to hold you.
Petite wings wafted your sweet scent, like flashes of snow;
Gently lifting them pattering feet into my cold palms.
My hands were the nest to your soft, soothing strokes,
Where your thrumming heart merged with mine.
Blank numbness trickled away by you, such a miniature summer
Illuminating everything, as though curtains were flung wide.
I was fulfilled, soaring high with the warmth and pleasure and content,
Now immune from the cold pangs, you, my healer, flew up into the pink sky.
As someone else needed to find you.
This creative piece was submitted as part of our December theme: Hope. If you would like to submit your own creative work to aAh! Magazine, please email aAh.Editor@gmail.com, and be sure to check our latest “Letter from the Editors” to find out next month’s theme.
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