An original poem by Karen McGovern

Nona Nona

She wears birds in her hair like others wear bows
wrens, warblers, jays, cardinals, and once two young crows

Hummingbirds nest in her teacups from China
and her doorbell is answered by a French speaking myna

In her foyer stands a silent old grandfather clock
that's now home to swifts that arrive by the flock

Her windows are open no matter the weather
for her winged companions who pay her with feather

Fine feeders and houses she crafts with great care
for purple martins and swallows who come to live there

On her shoulder one goldfinch who tickles her ear
and whispers sweet birdsongs only Nona can hear

Nona's house on the hill, from a distance, they say
looks just like the birdhouses she builds to this day

When she comes into town, she dresses her best
long locks held by sparrows, a nest at her breast

There are eggs in her pockets colored beige, blue, and white
and if she stops by your shop, be careful, she might

Try to pay for a purchase with bluebirds or worse
with a tiny screech owl that lives in her purse

The birds follow Nona like a cloud so I'm told
a rainbow of feathers--a sight to behold

Some say she's crazy but I think she's grand
waving with a hummingbird perched on her hand

I see her laughing, face turned toward the sky
arms reaching to Heaven as if she too could fly

No, Nona's not crazy, in fact she's quite smart
she opened her windows and opened her heart

To a life filled with Joy--that's what Happiness brings
special delivery to Nona via feathers and wings.





Materials for this necklace include handmade brass locket, vintage image transferred to brass, hand-colored bird image on canvas, copper, sterling silver, silk fibers, feather, peridot





All material contained herein is the sole property of Karen McGovern and cannot be reproduced without permission upon penalty of prosecution.