Mikaela Castledine #49 Pliable

There are tiny pliers in my handbag

of course

it is prudent to always have a pair about you

for when art may strike

or sneak up so a weapon is needed

or just a little reassuring weight in your hand

tweaking is often necessary

and pincing

crimping and extracting

all manner of pliable things

They belonged to my great grandmother

who kept them in her sewing box

for seamstressing needs and millinery emergencies

they are beautifully made

a palm sized hinge of curved steel

blunt nosed like a snake

sharp jawed as well as she

with a little heart embossed in the centre of the pivot

Legend has it she was unbending

and they were never to be taken from her sewing box

on pain of pinching I expect

she kept everything always in its place

the pliers

her husband

her little heart

nothing ever carelessly carried around

The pliers with the little heart

I keep them about me
among other things 
useful to have on hand