A Matter of Balance

A trio of water-smoothed river stones along the gravel path prompted an unhurried experiment. Taking each one with deliberate care, I carried them to the broad granite coping of the dry courtyard fountain. The base stone required a steady, level seat upon the chiselled ledge. Once satisfied, I poised the second stone atop its crest, waiting for the subtle shift of weight to settle. The third, no larger than a walnut, demanded absolute stillness. With both paws guiding its descent, I released the final pebble. It remained upright, perfectly balanced against gravity without a single wobble. A modest triumph of patience.