Roots and Grass

Stepping off the paver into the thick blades of grass changed my footing entirely. The turf had a springy give, hiding a thick, exposed tree root that arched across the soil. I planted both boots directly along the gnarled bark of the root, feeling its ridged surface resist my downward push. Rather than just balancing, I dropped into a one-legged crouch, extending my other leg straight out over the green blades. The root stayed anchored deep in the earth, giving me an unyielding pivot while the surrounding grass swayed softly against my shin.