TO A SPARROW

Southland Times, Issue 23182, 24 April 1937, Page 6 (Supplement)

TO A SPARROW

—PRIZE— When all the birds have flown away There’s only one remains, To chirp the winter days right through And cheer us when it rains. Although it steals the golden grain And juicy berries, red, We should not grudge the richest food On which this bird has fed. For is this not a bird that eats The insects that are pests, A bird that guards the planted seedsThese birds should be our guests. —Prize of 1/- to Cousin Ray kJcLeay, M.A.C. (14), Otahu-Blackmount R.D., Otautau. —PRIZE— You darling little feathered bird, You cheep from mom till dark, I often hear your sweetest voice, When I am in the park. I sometimes see you in the street, When I go down to town, Though you are often hard to see, Because you’re coloured brown. Why do you come so very near, For little crumbs of bread, I thought your mother told you, that A price was on your head. Two pennies a dozen for birdies’ heads, Wouldn’t make me touch your nest, I’m sure you’ll all agree with me— That sparrows are the best. -Prize of 1/- to Cousin Norman Hall (13), Aparima, Otautau, R.D. —PRIZE— I wonder why, O little bird, You sit o’er there without a word? You look so quiet upon the tree, And gaze so longingly at me. The fields are full of golden wheat; It’s there for little birds to eat, But there’s a trap; so fly away, That you may live another day. Though you are drab, all grey and brown, You never wear an ugly frown. You’re pert, more cheeky than the rest; But all the same I love you best. —Prize of 1/- to Cousin Edmund Maloney (13), Makarewa.

—VERY HIGHLY COMMENDED— Little sparrow do you wander Through the town the livelong day? Do you love the wondrous bushlands, And its foliage so gay? Have you seen the open spaces, Autumn’s remnant of the wheat? When you sat on yonder willow, Hear the step of children’s feet. , You must be a loving bird, to ' Care so dutif’lly and true, For your children in your homenest, Though your wife assists you too. Good friend sparrow I must go now, Sadly do I say “Adieu.” —3 marks to Cousin Albert Moore (IM, 57 St. Andrew street.

—VERY HIGHLY COMMENDED— The old cock sparrow He sat on a barrow, ' Upon a frosty day, He did not know where To look for his fare, And thought he would fly right away. He met with a rook Said he, “If you look At the little girl over the way, I think you will find, She will be so kind, As to give you a breakfast today.” The sparrow delighted soon alighted Close under the window, Where bird seed and crumbs he found, All strewed on the ground And quickly he cleared them away. —3 marks to Cousin Eunice Sleeman (11), 16 Kitchener street, Gore.

—HIGHLY COMMENDED— Oh cheeky raggamuffin With bright and beady eyes Chirping on so cheerfully Although they’re stormy skies. Scratching on the pavement With your tiny, busy feet, Looking for the crumbs and crusts That people never eat

Chirping on the highest bough Of pine and sycamore. No, anyone so jolly I have never seen before. And so you’re ever chirping on This dreary town to cheer, I find the world a brighter place Because I see you here. —2 marks to Cousin Isobel McKenzie M.A.C., (15), Dipton.