-- Crown of Feathers --

John Herlihy

Each species of bird has its own tale to tell

But the hoopoe bird casts its own magic spell

The bird’s name comes from its unique singing

An oop-oop-oop as harbinger of death bringing

Appearing kingly in its crown of feathers

Evoking an air of nobility in all weathers

A black and white tail spreads to its wings

The bird in flight a piano keyboard that sings

A long thing beak looking as a writing quill

A creamy, peach-colored body excites thrill

As unique and colorful and garden blooms

The sacred bird depicted in Egyptian tombs

In its plumage a portentous and regal bird

With all the true finery of a king ever heard

Possibly the most sensible of all bird species

Sun-bathing or taking a bath in dust if it please

The hoopoe brought word to Solomon of Sheba

The most beautiful queen in the lands of Arabia

In Farid il-din Attar’s poem, conference of the birds

The hoopoe persuaded the birds to find Simurgh

The king of the birds, not the Simurgh, but the Hoopoe

Whose Latin name mimics its sound, the upupa epops

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I (c) John Herlihy 19 July 2020