A Circular Track

I moved five paces across the damp turf from the bench leg. A carved stone birdbath rose from the grass, surrounded by fallen yellow birch leaves. At the concrete base lay an empty, intact metal ball bearing race and a stiff pine twig. I tested the ring with both hands; cold steel, minimal friction on the tiny internal spheres. I set the ring flat against a level stone lip. Slotted the twig into the central hole at an exact perpendicular angle. With one steady tap of my palm, the twig spun cleanly on the steel axis without wobbling. Balanced rotation established.