Morning at the Canal Step

Walking out from the residential lane toward the canal embankment, I descended the worn granite steps directly to the water’s edge. A smooth pebble of sea-green glass lay resting under an inch of clear, slow-moving current on the lowest tread. Sitting upon the dry stone riser, I lowered my feet and rested the sole of my left foot against the cool glass. The morning water parted around my toes in gentle, rhythmic pulses. A tiny translucent river shrimp emerged from the mossy joint, pausing right beside my foot in undisturbed curiosity. I remained completely still, letting the brisk flow wash over my skin in quiet ease.