Feed the Birds

When visiting at Mama Doris’ it is impossible not to notice the birds and squirrels feeding just outside her living room windows. It is peacefully entertaining to sit and watch them play and eat. During this last visit we were able to see the myriad of finches that now flock to her windowsill and bird feeder to feast. As we were sitting and watching there must have between 30 and 40 (Nathan thinks it may have even been more than that) finches perched in the tree, on the bird feeder, and on the windowsill. It was amazing to watch. It brings to mind my favorite song in Mary Poppins, “Feed the Birds”. I love the lullaby soft feeling of the song and I love the contrasting non-worldly / worldly views that are presented in that scene and the one following. A sweet older lady is sitting on the steps of a church as Julie Andrew sings:

Early each day to the steps of Saint Paul's
The little old bird woman comes.
In her own special way to the people she calls,
"Come, buy my bags full of crumbs.

Come feed the little birds, show them you care
And you'll be glad if you do.
Their young ones are hungry,
Their nests are so bare;
All it takes is tuppence from you."

Feed the birds, tuppence a bag,
Tuppence, tuppence, tuppence a bag.
"Feed the birds," that's what she cries,
While overhead, her birds fill the skies.

All around the cathedral the saints and apostles
Look down as she sells her wares.
Although you can't see it, you know they are smiling
Each time someone shows that he cares.

Though her words are simple and few,
Listen, listen, she's calling to you:
"Feed the birds, tuppence a bag,
Tuppence, tuppence, tuppence a bag."

The scene is other worldly and dreamy and reminds us all to take time to share what we have with those less fortunate. The very next scene in the movie comes in stark contrast as the children walk into the greedy world of banking. Very fitting, I think, at this time in our world’s history to think of greed and banking going hand in hand.

It is easy for me to imagine Mama Doris as that sweet older lady sitting on the steps of Saint Paul’s. She is the most non-worldly person I know. She doesn’t have a computer or cell phone and she only watches a few shows on her TV. She never misses a day of reading from the scriptures and writes faithfully in her journal. She lives quietly and simply, sharing what she has with all around her, even the hungry little birds.