Leaf on Water

A broad brown leaf floated in a shallow puddle on the sunken flagstone. Perfectly still. I paused. Stood motionless at the water's edge, watching my reflection tremble across the dark surface. A test. I lowered my snout and nudged the stiff stem. The leaf drifted. Smooth ripples fanned outward, striking the mossy rim of the rock. I took a deliberate step into the cool water, talons pressing firm into the slick stone bed. With another steady nudge, I guided the leaf across the miniature pool until its tip grounded against the opposite bank. Dry craft anchored.