I came home to find
a purple-hatted wizard and a
red-lipped fish with a dragon-y tail

on my doorstep, two creations
dropped off by my clay-artist friend
after I had admired them.

I grinned and perhaps let out
a squeal when I saw two of the ones
she thinks of as wizards and monsters,

but I see as spirit guardians, little
oracles embodied in clay and glaze
that stand guard with long white beard

and googly green happy eyes
catching mine, which crinkle around
the corners with delight.

•••

(for Rose Varesio with my thanks)