Black and grey dotwork tattoo of a songbird perched on a floral teacup and saucer, on the lower leg.

Songbird on a teacup and saucer

Dotwork · Calf · Black and grey · Photo

A small songbird stands on the rim of a teacup, which sits on a saucer. The bird and outlines are drawn with bold black lines, while the shading and the floral pattern on the cup are built from fine stippled dots. The design is shown in greys on pale skin against a blurred indoor background.

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A story inspired by this tattoo · fiction

Dear Margery, The bird came back on Tuesday, same as every morning since I put Mother's rose cups back up on the dresser. You'll remember the set, the one she wouldn't let us eat off at Christmas in case we chipped the gold. I'd taken the best cup down to wash and left it on the draining board, and when I turned round there he was, perched on the rim as though someone had sent for him.

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I didn't shoo him. Mr Hollis from chapel says a bird in the house is a message, but Mr Hollis also says the Lord wants the rates paid on time, so I don't trust him on birds. I tipped out the stewed tea and filled the cup with fresh water instead, and he drank from it like a curate at a christening. I've left a dribble in the bottom every morning since, and he's never missed.

Yesterday I finally went through the cupboard under the stairs. Behind the gravy boat was a saucer I'd forgotten, the one with the crazed glaze, and tucked beneath it was a pressed sprig of pink rose and a card in Father's careful hand. It said only, Keep one cup for what comes back. I laughed until I had to sit on the step.

He's brought a friend now, a plump little thing with a grey waistcoat. They squabbled over the water this morning and then both sat very still, looking at me as if I were the one who'd come in uninvited. Come up before the reunion in Lowestoft if you're still set on going. Bring your good shoes. I'll have the kettle on and the cups out, and you can meet them properly. Your loving aunt, Edie

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