Sparrow Chatter

Leaf 8 – Reflections

 

Shizuo Ashikaga - Sparrows and Cotton Rose (20thC)

There is a tall hedge along one side of the narrow lane behind where we live. It is always full of chirping sparrows, although usually they cannot be seen. Sparrows always seem to me to be the happiest of little creatures, living in constantly chattering, communal flocks. Consequently, there is something strangely comical when passing by this hedge because quite often they all fall silent at the same moment. One suddenly feels the burden of their wary suspicion, knowing you are being watched by a host of unseen eyes. I always say out loud, “Sorry sparrows.” I didn’t mean to disturb their day and spoil their gossipy chatter – I’m simply heading to the shops, the library, or the train station! … But happily, their chirruping soon starts up again once I’ve politely passed beyond their tall, leafy apartment block.

 

 

Passing by the hedge,

chattering sparrows

– suddenly fall silent.

 

 

Alan Reed - Sparrow, Shinobazu no ike (2019)