Fluffy Pillows
and the Sleepy Fuzzy Moth
Come Adriana, you need to see the willow arch.
Stand underneath it and look up!
I rush behind Phoebe and Tina and reach the living willow archway they built next to the rhubarb plot. The sky is clear as I lift my head up to observe it from under the woven willow branches; so blue, so magical.
Just as I am about to walk away, I notice some fluffy protuberances peering out from the offshoots — I squeak in delight! I want to know what they are.
Tina is talking, and she tells me the name of the tree, but I’m so distracted by the sight of the soft little buds that all I hear her say is “fluffy pillows”. Fluffy pillows!
What fluffy pillows?!
The fluffy pillows on the tree!
There are no fluffy pillows. I said pussy willow!
Oh, I see…I thought you said fluffy pillows.
I suddenly hear a little snort coming from one of the highest branches, followed by a teeny whistle, then another little snort and another teeny whistle. It’s so gentle and feeble, I wonder if it’s just in my head. Never mind, I still grab a ladder and climb up to see what’s happening.
As I approach the top of the ladder, the sounds become more distinct: someone’s snoring up there!
Sleeping peacefully on one of the furry willow buds, is in fact a fuzzy moth.
At each snore a wave of vibrations is sent into her golden antennae, making them look like quivering magic wands; her thorax expands at each inhale, her reddish-brown coat puffing up in all its soft glory. Adorable!
She’s probably been at work all night, and now the fluffy pillows on the willow are the perfect spot to rest her tired wings.
Good night little moth! Or shall I say good day to you?