Sycamore Hideaway

A broad, golden sycamore leaf was resting near the edge of the mulch, its curled edges curving into a natural roof. I dragged it over to the gap between two garden stones to build a little midday hideaway. Getting it to stay upright took some balancing—every time I let go of the stem, the whole leaf toppled sideways! I rolled a flat river pebble across the dirt and wedged it firmly over the stem's tip to anchor the base. Propped securely against the rock, it formed a sturdy little sun canopy. I settled underneath into the cool shade, watching the bright light glow right through the amber leaf veins.