It started off as a shared vision
a flash
while we were next to the river
Pale, it needs to be pale
and
earth tones: clay, terracotta
Plant dyes.
Some pink,
some pink will
soften the edges
Stars. I see stars.
Stars that sing together,
they don’t each shout for attention,
they’re holding hands
guiding each other
supporting one another.

Then I asked:
“Do you have any special bits,
any old clothes or textiles
we might incorporate,
so it really feels like you?”

First
there was
an old white doona cover
“Maybe you can plant dye this?”

Next
“What about these old pants?
I wore them and wore them
when the girls were both little
I feel like those early playgroup years
are impregnated in these pants”

Then
“This old cushion cover?
It was from when we lived in Bali,
it’s ripped and stained a bit
but still holds all the memories
from that time.
I’d really like it
in the quilt”

And this skirt.
They’ve both worn it
and worn it
I think
it’s just the right pink

Finally
The kinder dress.
The girls both wore this dress
on their first day of kinder,
it’s too small now,
but I don’t
just want to
pass
it
on”

So that original flash
the vision
for a quilt
for stars which sing together
and support each other
is now a container

A container which holds
stories
and memories
scattered amongst stars
within the folds of a quilt