Maiden Voyage

Carrying my folded kraft paper boat clamped firmly between my thumb and palm, I slipped through the patio screen flap and scurried down the lawn to the stone birdbath. I scaled the fluted pedestal digit over digit until I hoisted myself onto the damp rim. Kneeling on my knuckles, I set the paper vessel gently onto the clear water, watching the creases hold firm without taking on a single drop. With a calculated flick of my index finger, I sent a clean ripple across the basin, nudging the little boat into a smooth glide toward the center. Delighted with its maiden voyage, I reared upright on all five fingertips and drummed five brisk, ringing taps against the sunlit stone.