This morning I woke directly from a vivid dream in which I had the care of a two-headed bird. It had come into the house nestled in the fur of my childhood golden retriever. The other indoor birds would have nothing to do with it, having their own concerns. It was a lively, mostly black and white thing, kind of long in the shared body, so I could cradle each end in my cupped hands. Each would look at me lovingly with bright black eyes.

Since I woke so abruptly (downstairs clatter of coffee being made) I feel like I still have it with me, and can feel its fluttering in my hands. Oddest damn thing.