The Eagle and the Sparrow

While waiting for a bus home late Wednesday 

afternoon, a flock of sparrows flew to my feet. 

Cold and hungry, they didn't startle easily, 

but waited in anticipation of any crumbs that might

fall from my hand to their anxious beaks.

Unfortunately, I didn't have anything to offer them.

Another commuter approached,

startling the flock into flight, up onto the base

of a light stanchion just behind me.

While most of them huddled at the feet of cast iron 

eagles, one of them perched on the head

of one of the fierce-looking raptors,

making it look as though it was wearing

a big fluffy hat.