The Two-Headed Calf: From Poem to Tattoo

Poem by Laura Gilpin

Tattoo by Yasmin Charalambous — Ethereal Tattoo Gallery, Durham, NC

This custom blackwork tattoo by Durham tattoo artist Yasmin Charalambous draws inspiration from The Two-Headed Calf, a short but unforgettable poem by Laura Gilpin.

In Gilpin’s work, the calf—born with two heads—will not live beyond the night. Yet in those hours, it experiences something rare and beautiful:

“…there are twice as many stars as usual.”

The design Yasmin created captures that same quiet magic. Two gentle cow faces share one body, framed by celestial stars and a single bat-like wing. The style blends bold black fills with fine-line detailing, giving the piece both impact and softness. It’s a tattoo that feels both whimsical and contemplative—an homage to the strange beauty in fleeting moments.

Tattoos as Storytelling

Poetry tattoos invite a different kind of conversation. They’re not just about imagery, but about translating emotion, theme, and tone into a visual language. For this piece, Yasmin incorporated symbolic elements—the stars from the poem, the anatomical uniqueness of the calf, and the surreal wing—to create a personal narrative for the wearer.

About the Artist

Yasmin Charalambous is known for custom blackwork and illustrative tattoos at Ethereal Tattoo Gallery in Durham, NC. Her work often blends realism with surreal elements, creating designs that feel both grounded and dreamlike.

📍 Ethereal Tattoo Gallery — Durham, NC
Custom tattoo shop in Durham, specializing in black and grey realism, fine line, and illustrative tattooing.