THE SPARROW.



I AM only a little sparrow 

A bird of low degree; 

My life is of little value,

But the dear Lord cares for me.

He gave me a coat of feathers,

It is very plain, I know, 

With never a speck of crimson,

For it was not made for show;

But it keeps me warm in winter, 

And it shields me from the rain;

Were it bordered with gold or purple, 

Perhaps it would make me vain.

I have no barn or storehouse,

I neither sow nor reap; 

God gives me a sparrow's portion,

But never a seed to keep.

If my meal is sometimes scanty, 

Close picking makes it sweet;

I have always enough to feed me, 

And "life is more than meat."

I know there are many sparrows: 

All over the world we are found;

But our Heavenly Father knoweth 

When one of us falls to the ground.

Though small, we are not forgotten;

Though weak, we are never afraid; 

For we know that the dear Lord keepeth

The life of the creatures he made.

I fly through the thickest forest,

I light on many a spray; 

I have no chart or compass,

But I never lose my way.

And I fold my wings at twilight,

Wherever I happen to be; 

For the Father is always watching,

And no harm will come to me.