While most of us are familiar with Walt Disney and many have enjoyed the original version of the film, “Mary Poppins,” it’s quite possible that few knew of his fondness for the film’s haunting song, “Feed the Birds.” I recently learned this while listening to a reminiscence by the Sherman Brothers—Richard and Robert—about their work on the beloved film. 

“Early each day to the steps of St. 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. ‘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.” 

Of the countless songs that Disney could have chosen, this was a favorite for its gentle reminder that it doesn’t take much to provide care and compassion to those in need of it—like the birds and the children featured in the film. 

“Walt loved this sentiment,” said Robert. “On Fridays after work, he’d invite us to his office to talk, then he’d look over to Dick and say, ‘Play it.” 

“I knew what he wanted,” added Richard, who would take to the piano and fill the room with soothing sound as Disney gazed out the window into the sky. 

After Disney’s passing, and before his office was cleared, Richard would go and play the song in the silent space in honor of Disney’s legacy and memory.

In another moving expression of caring and compassion, Brad Montague, self-described artist, dreamer, doer, dad, storyteller and director, is determined to create a better world for kids via the Montague Workshop. Based in Tennessee, it is the creative studio of Brad and Kristi Montague (montagueworkshop.com).

Brad was inspired to write the poem that appears in this column after meeting an elementary school student and learning of his commitment to assisting worms stranded on sidewalks following rains. In his newsletter, he wrote, “So many of you responded with your own stories of tiny acts of care. (Many of which involved kids). I was especially thrilled to know there are so many committed worm-helpers among us.”

The Montagues’ work was brought to my attention in a Facebook post by local artist James Spencer, who highlighted the reference to “the wild holiness of noticing,” in a poem by Brad Montague, excerpted at right. James and Heather Hogan-Spencer employ their craft as a highly creative team based in the beautiful Bodhi Tree Art School and Studio in Honesdale, PA. Visit www.bodhitreeartstudio.com to learn more.

Small acts of caring sow the seeds of compassion. Are you a feeder of birds? Do you help worms out of harm’s way? I hope so.