A Market for Sparrows

(This is one of the first poems I ever wrote,
many years ago, but it still rings true for me.
Praises be to the King,
who never changes and is ever faithful.)

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?
Yet not one of them will fall to the ground
outside your Father's care.
And even the very hairs of your head
are all numbered.
So don't be afraid;
you are worth more than many sparrows."
(Matthew 10:29-31)

An assarion for sparrows;
Are you not much more?
But you carry the burden
For what is in store.

A single assarion,
Simple exchange -
Two sparrows received,
And you pocket the change.

What place, then, has worry?
Let care rest alone.
Tomorrow has surely
Enough of its own.

The birds never sow,
For the sparrows fly free.
Fear not that thy Father
Should care not for thee.

Two birds for a coin -
Yet consider Him wise,
For you are His treasure,
His pearl beyond price.

An assarion for sparrows;
Are you not much more?
Why stop, and why trouble?
Like birds you may soar.

Take wings, then. He calls you.
Ascend to the height.
Receiving His blessing,
Take heart, and take flight.

NOTE: In biblical times, an assarion was a copper coin of very little value, worth about one-tenth of a denarius. It might be compared to a farthing. A single assarion might be equated to one-hour's wages for a field laborer.