A Leaf Upon the Water

I walked through the open gate and followed the gravel path to the low stone birdbath in the park. The pool inside was completely still, reflecting the open sky above. Near the edge lay a crisp, curled beech leaf. Instead of nudging it into line, I gave the stem a gentle tap with my beak, tipping it over the rounded stone rim. It settled lightly on the water with a soft ring of ripples. I rested my webbed feet against the damp stone edge and stood watching the leaf spin quietly as it drifted across the circle.