The Stagnant Pool

Crept clear of the wire lattice... midday glare was harsh. Sank low under the spreading hydrangea leaves, where shadows pool cool and wide. Found a discarded plastic saucer resting tilted in the soil, holding a shallow basin of dark rainwater and decayed hemlock needles. Slid over the rim, planting my boots into the slick green scum lining the bottom. My rifle barrel dipped beneath the surface, parting the silt. A tiny water strider darted forward, its slender legs dimpling the dark film inches from my knee. I froze... unmoving. It skimmed around my shins, then settled. A quiet redoubt in the midday heat.