Under the Gravel

A dull ring of metal was lodged firmly between two pale pebbles near the edge of the gravel path. I knelt on the flat stone border, keeping my balance centered over both knees to examine it closely. Packed grit filled the center opening. Picking up a stiff, dry pine needle, I traced the inner circumference, clearing out a tight collar of damp sand. Once the needle found leverage under the lower lip, I eased the steel washer free from the soil. I drew it across the surface of a fallen oak leaf until the circular bevel was completely clean.