A Velvet Footpath

I stepped down from the lowest porch riser and tested the rough surface of the brick garden border with my foot. A dense, pillowy coat of green moss had grown across the weathered clay. Pausing to gauge the narrow ledge, I extended both cloth arms and carefully walked heel-to-toe along the brick line. The moss felt cool and remarkably spongy beneath my stitches, cushioning each step like a soft ribbon. When a sudden gust rattled the dried flower stalks beside me, I held my balance on one foot, waiting until the path was still before stepping forward again.