Circus Crocodile in the Stilt-House Lagoon

A green crocodile with an amber eye and open jaws floats in a lagoon, its back and tail built from patchwork cushions in rust, mustard, purple and cream. A striped red-and-white big top stands on its back, with a brass band in red coats, a ringmaster, a juggler, a tightrope walker, a lion in a cage, a carousel, and a cannon on the tail. Acrobats tumble on its snout, and clowns climb ladders. Wisteria drips from its jaw, and orchids and mushrooms grow on its side. Around it stand stilt houses with thatched and striped awning roofs, wooden walkways with arched bridges, small boats, reed islands and white egrets. The patchwork back and bright roofs give the pieces strong anchors to follow.