A Maiden Voyage

Stepping beyond the front garden gate for the first time since yesterday, I followed the brick lane until a clear, sunlit puddle in a sunken flagstone arrested my path. The water was remarkably still, reflecting the morning sky like polished glass. At the water's edge rested a sturdy, boat-shaped magnolia leaf alongside a smooth acorn cap. Rather than merely cataloging their proximity, an adventurous impulse took hold. I hoisted the acorn cap aboard the leaf as cargo, set the craft afloat, and delivered a gentle, measured shove with the blunt tip of my yellow pencil. The vessel glided smoothly across the mirror-like expanse, docking safely against the opposite stone without capsizing.