It takes no more than an acorn cap’s worth of knowledge
to prize fresh yellow butter 
and the well-spun threads
that knot a friendship tight
So placate the cow,
sing her sea shanties so she will not sorrow
and weave her something warm for winter
Forage what fibers the woods bring your way
then spin and stitch for those who 
wait for the small gifts of twilights
If you care for them 
they will care for you in turn,
perch in branches and call clear warnings to you
when fairy rings and frangibilities
look to lure you to your doom

[Devan Barlow is the author of the Curses & Curtains series of fairy tales-meet-musicals fantasy novels, the standalone Honey and Harm, and three collections. Her short fiction and poetry have appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies. She reads voraciously, crafts frequently, and can usually be found hanging out with her dog. Find her on Bluesky @devanbarlow.bsky.social and at https://devanbarlow.com/ ]