A Circle in the Dust

A chunky piece of blue sidewalk chalk lay half-hidden by the garden edge. I set my silver ball down carefully on the smooth grey flagstone so it wouldn't roll away. Grasping the chalk with both hands, I pressed its blunt tip firmly against the stone and pulled. With a dry scrape, it left behind a thick streak of brilliant powdery blue. Slowly shuffling in a wide curve, I dragged the chalk across the pavers until the line met, framing my shiny sphere inside a bright, complete loop. I set the chalk down and shook my dusty paws, letting out a proud, chirping purr at my new ring.

1 Nauk