Need

Does the sparrow need the oak
Or does the oak need the sparrow

I've seen sparrows nest under gutters, broken windows, busy office building eaves
And oaks rise up seeking heaven with only raindrops and sun their needs

Sparrows flutter high and low, unchained and free
Oaks remain so solid, unmoving no matter your heed

Tiny sparrows sing from upon wires, the ground and on the wing
Mighty oaks stand, ever mute without the aid of air

Birds chirp of celebration and of warnings to all near and far
Trees stand silent no need to tell you I am here and I am strong

One's life fleeting and full of peril, little things here one day then gone
While the other stretches over generations, even in death a skeleton left to mark their reign

Yet does not the sparrow sing sweetest nestled hidden among oak's sheltered boughs
Will not the oak welcome the freedom of movement and the swiftness of life within its calm
Silly bird song no doubt declaring this is my home, laying claim to all I see
Majestic oak must surely hold its chuckle, not the first I'll later shake out from my leaves

Even so in its vanity the sparrow treasures oak's stolen gifts
And oak has spark of pride when new born citizens fall then fly

So while one may not need the other not to live or grow and breed
Without the other life loses luster and the world some sanity