Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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The White-crowned Sparrow--A Biannual Reminder in my Calendar (Dedicated to Melissa). In my life of 83 years, I have always remarked about Spring and Autumn. Tucked into that is another Spring-Fall phenomenon And that is the annual movements of the White-crowned Sparrow. For 47 years, I have lived with this wonderful bird in California, Witnessing its East-West seasonal shifts, in and out of the Valley. Today, we are still in April, and the marvelous companionship With this species will be ending--it will make its return to the hills. I must now wait until October to listen for Its wondrous, teasing, raspy 'zwee-zwee-zwee' vocalization. With its October return, its call will hit me from the ear to the heart. I coexist and breathe the same juxtaposed air with my companion, The White-crowned Sparrow. Frank Maurer 10 April 2025 1250 Hours.