Little Helicopters

I found two dry, winged maple seeds resting in a sunny groove on the porch step. Their papery blades were curved just right! Using both hands, I carried the seeds up to the top wooden step so they had plenty of room to fly. I held the first seed high over the edge and let go. It tipped forward, caught the gentle breeze, and began to whirl in a merry, dizzy spin! Down, down it danced like a tiny helicopter until it settled softly on the clean flagstone below. Then I released the second one to race it. It twirled even faster, landing right beside its twin with a quiet flutter.