The assignment from my poetry group, the Nevermores, over at Inked Voices was to write an ekphrastic poem. Marcie very kindly provided some links to photos that could be used without fear of copyright infringement. I soon found myself in the archives of the Library of Congress, perusing a myriad of photos. When I found this one, I knew what my poem would be about:
Several years ago I read about Harriet Hemenway and her cousin, Minna, who worked tirelessly to help birds whose feathers, wings, and sometimes whole bodies were being used to decorate hats. These were mostly high society women, so Harriet organized tea parties where the plight of birds could be discussed. This was also at the turn of the 20th century, so since women did not yet have the right to vote, Harriet also invited influential men to join the discussion. These discussions were not only successful, but formed the basis of what would become the Massachusetts Audubon Society.
Birds of a Feather
Once birds of a feather
gathered together on hats,
not the top of a tree.
Until Harriet said,
“Please come to tea, and we’ll talk
about where birds should be!”
Bird feathers were plucked,
disjointed and tucked
into hats to admire with glee.
Until Harriet said,
“Please come to tea, and we’ll talk
of where feathers should be!”
From society’s highest
both women and men
convened to converse over tea.
Then Harriet said,
“Spread the word about birds!
We need laws to protect and preserve!”
Now birds of a feather can gather together
without fear of ending up dead,
because Harriet said,
“Birds deserve to be free!”
And Congress declared,
“We agree!”
Draft, 2022 Rose Cappelli
Karen has the roundup today here where you can travel to Innisfree as well as read lots more poetry.
Imagine the Possibilities 
Harriet Hemenway is a true hero! I love how you told the story of her crusade to save birds in your poem. Do you know the book She’s Wearing A Dead Bird on Her Head! by Kathryn Lasky? It’s one of my favorites!
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Thanks, Catherine! Yes, I do know Kathryn Lasky’s book. That’s probably where I first learned about Harriet. Thanks for mentioning it.
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A clever, compassionate lady. I enjoyed your informative poem, Rose.
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So interesting. Had never heard of Harriet Hemenway. Love learning about her through your fun poem, Rose!
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Can you imagine wearing a whole dead bird on your hat? Ugh! Thank goodness for Harriet Hemenway. Love the poem tribute, Rose.
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What a difference she made! And it was just a matter of educating the public, so it seems. No, I can’t imagine wearing head gear like that! And it most likely won’t come back, either.
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Likely easier to get something through Congress back then!
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I shared the image and poem with one of my nieces who loves hats (but not dead birds) – lol
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Rose, I love your rhyming, informative, and fun poem. Great voice! I think I might have heard about Harriet Hemenway in the book She’s Wearing a Dead Bird on Her Head, also. Thankfully, Harriet and her cousin realized how important it was to save birds and were able to convince others about
this, also. I have always felt a special connection to birds. I love watching, listening, and talking to birds. I actually love all animals, especially cats. I have always been concerned about the endangered and threatened animals and flowers. I feel that you might want to seek publication on this poem in an informative children’s magazine, perhaps, Highlights, Cricket, Cobblestone or some other one. Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed both the photo and poem.
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Thanks, Gail. You and others have inspired me to do more research and writing about Harriet.
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Hooray for the Harriet Hemenways of the world! I learned about her in the book THE FEATHER THIEF, which I highly recommend, although there was not nearly enough justice in the ending for my tastes.
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Yes! I was reminded about Harriet by also reading The Feather Thief, which then led me back to the PB She’s Wearing a Dead Bird on Her Head. I started doing some research but soon got sidetracked with other projects. I think it’s time to revisit Harriet.
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Your poem is ‘poultry in motion’, Rose! 🙂
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Rose, I love that you tied a women’s history heroine with the reality of high fashion at the turn of the 20th century. While I have not heard of Harriet before I do know of the feather issue (“murderous millinery). I found this information because research intrigues me-https://www.mdhistory.org/the-bird-hat-murderous-millinery/.
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Oh thanks for the link, Carol! I’m seriously considering expanding this to a larger picture book project.
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I, too, thought of recommending “The Feather Thief”, but then I saw that Mary Lee beat me to the punch. Nice job telling this story in verse. It’s another reminder of how one person can make a big difference.
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Oh, the sweet spot of rights-free image, research and poetry. I adore all together here with such a worthy topic and person. Keep going with this lady and her teas. That repeating refrain is wonderful!
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I love learning something new about powerful and influential women in history. Your poem is great with it’s echoed line and rhyme. I’m a huge fan of birds these days. They bring me great comfort. Thanks!
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