Protection is sensible and artistic. In this country we know her as a craftswoman. For her living she makes capes and weaves shawls. She has also been a mid-wife. She notices that some people insist on wearing her garments far into the hot season. Others refuse to put a cloak on even when they are cold.
Protection has lived in many kinds of houses. Always the walls are decorated with rugs and blankets from around the world. She has studied ancient architecture and the habits of butterflies and spiders. When the caterpillar is dying and the new butterfly is yet to be born, it constructs a chrysalis. We also have this need. However, many of us are too proud or have forgotten how to go inside. Protection has learned from the butterflies how to make a chrysalis for the changing human heart.
by Ruth Gendler, Book of Qualities
