SEVEN LITTLE SPARROWS

By Ralph Chaplin

Beyond the deep-cut window

The bars are heaped with snow,

And seven little sparrows

Are sitting in a row.

Fluffy blur of snowflakes;

Dappled haze of light;

The narrow prison vista

Is all awhirl with white.

Seven little sparrows

Ruffled brown and grey

Snuggled close against the bars —

And this is Christmas day!