Poor Tom Peabody

I met 'Poor Tom Peabody' while hiking on Mars Hill Mountain in Maine. The mountain overlooks both New Brunswick Canada to the east and America's state of Maine to the west. While not a very rugged climb, it does offer a challenging day hike to the more athletic locals and, at the top, a peek at both beautiful countries. If your lucky, you might meet 'Poor Tom Peabody'; a White-throated Sparrow.


My grandparents owned a small home in the quaint town of Mars Hill and, on the other side of the mountain, they owned an old farm nestled at the foot of New Brunswick's rolling oat fields and verdant pastures. It was there that I first met Tom Peabody. Nobody knew for sure if Tom was Canadian or American. I believe both countries claimed him. The locals spoke of him as an "odd, private reclusive type; short and elusive." It seemed that whenever people would gather and compare their various stories, the most haunting was about Tom.  "He appears when you least expect it", they'd say. "You usually won't see him, he sees YOU! If he wants to be found, you will hear HIM. He has a hypnotic sound but don't follow him! Don't let him get into your head! If you hear him, you will THINK he is near and the next thing you know..... you have stepped off the path and are deep in the woods, unsure if you are pursuing or if you are the pursued !"

On a warm Saturday afternoon in June, a group of us decided to hike up Mars Hill Mountain. Not long into our hike we paused to rest and then...a few of us heard a rustling and then a slight shrill; a haunting call. "Poooor Tom Peabody, Peabody, Peabody!"

There's nothing like cheery shrills from the forest to catch one's attention!  There it was again. We were sure it was 'Poor Tom Peabody'! Just as soon as we heard it, there he was, perched right before us!!! Poor Tom Peabody, calling out his name: "Poor Tom Peabody, Peabody!" To hear him 'Click' on the words, "White-throated Sparrow", turn up your sound and then 'click' on '"LISTEN".
The winter winds have begun to chill the forests of northern Maine and New Brunswick. Those winds have pushed many a Poor Tom Peabody to a more seasonal warmth; our Tennessee neighborhood. I have recently enjoyed hearing his song: "Poor Tom Peabody!, Peabody!" I haven't found him......yet, but I know he is here!

Our Heavenly Father knows when a Sparrow falls or when it sings its melody. He has given each bird their song. He has given you a song as well. He waits to hear you sing EVERYDAY! You matter! NEVER forget it. When life presents mountains to climb, remember 'Poor Tom Peabody' singing his name. Offer a prayer and keep climbing!!! Take some time to view the vistas that Tom enjoys. God takes care of Poor Tom Peabody. He WILL take care of you!!!!  ~Pray /\