“The Sparrow and The Oak” published in Wingless Dreamer’s Ink The Universe collection.
Sparrow called to Oak in plea,
“Let’s swap places, you and me.
Consider the opportunity,
With your strength and vitality
An eagle I would be,
And you, with my agility,
Could as the beautiful willow sway.
Let’s change places for just one day!”
Replied Oak to Sparrow,
“I, catch the beauty of the willow?
You, the path of an eagle follow?
This far-fetched fancy rings too hollow.
Instead of glory we might wallow
In quirky traits we’ll have to swallow.
What if, instead, my wide roots you earn
And I, your feathers receive in turn?”
“Please, let’s try,”
Said Sparrow, “How I’d fly!
“It’s natural to reach for the sky.
Come now, let’s agree, you and I.”
“Hmm,” Oak answered, with a sigh,
“Neither you an eagle nor a willow I.
Though the willow’s plumed joy I would love to taste,
Fanned branches beckoning lovers’ embrace.
All right, fine Sparrow, let’s try our chances.”
They swapped places, exchanged furtive glances.
Oak’s trunk shriveled, his leaves thinned and fine—
To his chagrin, he became a pine.
And Sparrow’s feet, with similar luck,
Grew wide and webbed as those of a duck!
