annie's owl cosy

Garish crochet
maroon and black
Eyes ringed with white
Small circle of green behind each bulging black eyeball
Four eyes! Two-headed monster!
Sweet small beak, one for each face (the subtlest part)

Generous lining. Black.
Four white circles where the eyes are
empty ghosts in reverse
Maybe the maker had warmed up by the inside
Meticulousness when turned inside out
Neat perfection that comes with practice

Frill along the edge, each stitch fanning out in a graceful scallop
Remember to ask Carolyn which stitch: Double? Treble? Treble.
Distant memories of crocheting mushrooms
(fat child fingers around tiny hook, intricate instruction, ears straining)
don’t hold up to detailed investigation
Inside out, the frills become small red tongues, poking out from the blackness

Little bird, angel of the morning
Protect me
Bring dazzle to my cup and warmth to my belly
Bring smiles to the faces of those feline girls
with their languid stretches and caramel kisses
Guide us to the morning’s first laughter