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 